Environmental Health

Our staff work to keep your environment free from exposure to hazardous conditions in the air, water, and soil.

The WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that residents using private wells annually test their drinking water for bacteria and nitrate. At this time the DNR recommends that Franklin residents also sample for molybdenum, which is a naturally occurring metal and, in small amounts, an essential nutrient in our diet.
Water test kits are available free of charge at the Franklin Health Department but laboratories will charge a fee for processing each requested water test(s).

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste, but may be in your home. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe.
There are simple ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Testing is the only way to know if there is a radon risk. Testing is inexpensive and easy. Home radon testing kits are available from the Franklin Health Department for a fee. We accept cash or check only.

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead. Lead from paint can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of. Lead in paint becomes a hazard when young children ingest the dust (from windows and floors) and paint chips (from windows, floors, and exteriors).
A brief lead hazard screen can be completed by our specialty trained staff in less than an hour by inspecting the exterior and interior surfaces and taking samples of the deteriorated ones. Information on immediate and long-term solutions to reduce and eliminate the hazards will be given. The assessment is FREE and the recommendations will span from inexpensive cleaning tips to permanent solutions.

Mice, rats, and other pests are generally burrowing rodents and are most active at night.
Signs of pests include: droppings, runways (trails for travel), burrows, and gnawing.
Prevention of pests can be controlled by taking the following steps:
- Eliminating food sources
  - Use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid.
  - Do not leave pet food where pests have access to it.
  - Keep bird seed off the ground.
- Eliminate shelters
  - Remove rubbish, junk, and unwanted materials on your property where pests can hide or live.
  - Store building materials, firewood, etc. at least 18 inches above the ground.
We respond to complaints about rats and pests and provide information about rodent control and prevention of harborage according to Franklin ordinance. We do not offer baiting or elimination services.
If you need additional assistance for a pest or rodent issue, contact a professional pest control specialist.

All animal bites, whether domestic or wild, can pose a potential rabies exposure. (What Is Rabies?)
Domestic animal bites are reportable to both the Franklin Police Department and the Franklin Health Department.
For wild animal bites, including bat encounters, contact us as soon as possible at 414-425-9101.
- If you have the animal contained do not release it to nature or harm the animal, it may be needed for testing.
For ALL bites; wash the wound with liberal amounts of soap and water and contact your physician.