A wide range of tasks and the broadest powers among municipal boards lie with the boards of health. In general, boards of health are charged with safeguarding the health of the town's residents.

Specific duties vary from town to town, but major among their duties is that of safeguarding drinking water. This includes inspecting and issuing permits for septic systems, dealing with the safe disposal of night soil, monitoring groundwater for possible contamination from leaking pollutants, monitoring leaching from local landfills, and regulating the use of underground fuel storage tanks. Overseeing safe and efficient operation of the town landfills, planning ahead for the regional disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and appointing the membership of and working with the Martha's Vineyard Refuse Disposal and Resource Recovery District (MVRDRRD) fall to the boards of health in the towns that are members of the MVRDRRD.

The boards of health perform the following functions:

• inspect and license all food establishments;
• monitor the quality of pond and lake water and work to secure safe shell fisheries;
• appoint a nursing care agency to provide home visits to newborns and the infirm and to provide various health care clinics;
• issue tent permits;
• inspect and test for lead paint;
• provide public information and education on common health hazards;
• relocate displaced families; and
• investigate any reported hazards or violations.

Boards of health have three elected members, each serving a three-year term. Most boards meet on a weekly basis. Meetings are open to the public. Boards of health are the only boards in town government that may pass a regulation without a public hearing.
In order to facilitate communication among boards of health, standardize regulations, and share ideas, an All-Island Board of Health has been established. This board is advisory and has no power to regulate.

Town Government Information

See also specific town government information for useful telephone numbers and contact information for various boards and public offices, both elected and appointed.