The Newton Health and Human Services Department works to protect, promote and sustain the health, harmony and well being of its residents. It investigates the causes of diseases, epidemics, morbidity and mortality and environmental health hazards using vital and health statistics for epidemiological studies. The department plans and implements public education and enforces public health laws. It is also responsible for assuring the provision of programs in various areas, such as vision and hearing screening, public and private water supplies, food service sanitation, immunization, sexually transmitted diseases, on-site sewage disposal management and general communicable disease control. The department issues license for food establishments, swimming pools, tanning salons, private sewage disposal and the transportation of wastes.