Queensbury Water District

In compliance with State and Federal regulations, the Queensbury Water Department publishes an annual report detailing the quality of your municipal water supply. This document aims to enhance your understanding of tap water and emphasize the importance of protecting our water sources. The report provides a comprehensive overview of last year's water quality data.

For questions about this report or your municipal water, please contact Alexander Benway, Professional, at 793-8866 Ext. 2026. We encourage you to stay informed about your water supply. Town board meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM at the Queensbury Activity Center on Bay Rd (with holiday exceptions in January, February, and September 2018).

The Queensbury Water District draws from the Hudson River, a surface water source located at Sherman Island Dam. Throughout 2017, our system operated without any supply restrictions. The NYS Department of Health has assessed the Hudson River's vulnerability to contamination under the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), noting that elevated susceptibility ratings don't necessarily indicate actual contamination has occurred.

Our water system serves approximately 21,200 residents through 9,100 connections, plus the Kingsbury Water District, Hudson Falls, Moreau, and the Warren Washington Industrial Park. In the previous billing cycle, we produced 1,654,392,000 gallons, averaging 4,532,000 gallons daily with a peak day of 8,675,000 gallons. Our remarkably low leakage rate of approximately 3.8% demonstrates our well-maintained distribution system and effective capital planning.

In 2017, water customers were billed quarterly at $25.00 for the first 8,000 gallons, then $2.20 per 1,000 gallons up to 3,250,000 gallons, after which the rate decreases to $0.81 per 1,000 gallons for bulk customers. An Ad Valorem tax of $0.32/$1,000 supports capital improvements and bond obligations. The average annual cost for a $200,000 home using 80,000 gallons was approximately $270, compared to $315 in 1993.

Are there places with water shortages in America? If so, what kinds of solutions are implemented?

Several coastal regions in California face significant clean water shortages. To address these challenges, communities have implemented various innovative solutions including desalination facilities that remove salt from seawater, and infrastructure projects that transport water resources from neighboring areas through underground pipeline networks. Engineering teams continuously develop efficient and reliable methods to deliver water to communities facing shortages.

How are water rates determined?

Public water utilities typically establish their rates independently without requiring federal approval. Private water companies, however, must submit rate increase applications to their state's Public Utilities Commission. These private companies are entitled to earn reasonable returns on their prudent investments, though specific returns aren't guaranteed—profitability depends on operational efficiency. Regulators evaluate whether infrastructure investments are reasonable and if operations are managed responsibly before approving rate adjustments.

How can I prepare for a drought?

Many municipalities experience shortages due to warmer-than-average conditions and resource limitations. During conservation mandates, local governments provide specific guidance on restrictions. Visit our Wise Water Use section for practical conservation strategies.

How does my water reach my tap?

The water infrastructure follows a straightforward path: from pumping stations that extract raw water from sources like aquifers or rivers, to treatment facilities where the water is purified to meet EPA standards, and finally through distribution networks—an extensive system of pipes spanning 700,000 miles across the US (more than triple the length of the National Highway System). American Water alone maintains 48,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure.

How is water treated?

After collection from sources (underground aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, lakes), water travels to treatment facilities where advanced systems combine chemical treatments and filtration processes to ensure quality before distribution. Engineers design these facilities to meet specific community needs, expanding capacity as populations grow to maintain compliance with established standards set by the EPA and state agencies.