Saratoga Springs City (Geyser Crest)

INTRODUCTION
The City of Saratoga Springs issues an annual water quality report to comply with State regulations and to increase public awareness about our water resources. Last year, our municipal water met most State health standards with no violations of health-related maximum contaminant levels, which is excellent news for our community.

WATER SOURCES
Saratoga Springs obtains water from two primary sources: surface water from the Loughberry Lake Watershed and groundwater from the Geyser Crest system. During high-demand summer months, water is also pumped into Loughberry Lake from Bog Meadow Brook and three groundwater wells to maintain adequate lake levels.

TREATMENT PROCESS
The Loughberry Lake water undergoes conventional treatment at the Excelsior Avenue facility, including flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. Both ultraviolet light and sodium hypochlorite are used for disinfection. Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay. The Geyser Crest wells receive sodium hypochlorite disinfection and fluoride addition.

SYSTEM STATISTICS
Our water system serves approximately 28,000 residents through 9,680 service connections. In 2017, we produced 1,613,719,000 gallons, with a daily average of 4,421,000 gallons. The highest single day usage was 7,020,000 gallons on August 4, 2017. About 23% of water produced was unaccounted for, attributed to municipal operations, hydrant flushing, firefighting, water main breaks, and unauthorized use.

WATER ASSESSMENT
The NYS Department of Health has completed source water assessments for the Bog Field Brook, Geyser Crest Subdivision, Interlaken Water Works, and Loughberry Lake Watershed systems based on available information. These assessments identify potential threats to our water sources and help guide protection efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a tank be abandoned in place or must I remove it?
   A tank may be abandoned in place, provided that a permit is issued by the Department of Buildings, Fire Department, and work is performed by a N.Y.S. Environmental Contractor.
2. Can I proceed with work while the permit is being processed?
   No. Work cannot begin until the permit is approved and displayed in public view. Working without a permit will result in violations and penalties.
3. Do I need a permit for a Swimming Pool?
   Yes. See Swimming Pool, SPA, Hot Tub requirements. When in doubt, contact the Department of Buildings at (914) 665-2484.
4. Do I need a plumbing permit for oil-fired or gas-fired boilers?
   Yes. Proper ventilation of combustion products, adequate combustion air, and appropriate backflow prevention on the residential water connection are required per N.Y.S. Plumbing Code.
5. How do I report an anonymous complaint?
   All complaints can remain anonymous unless they concern your specific living unit. In such cases, you must provide your name, address, contact number, apartment details, landlord information, a detailed description of the issue, and be available for inspection access.
6. How do I obtain a permit?
   File an Application and follow the instructions provided with each application form.
7. How long is a permit valid?
   Permits remain valid for one year, provided all insurances (liability, disability, workers compensation) remain current.
8. How many roofing layers are permitted on residential dwellings?
   Only two layers are allowed on any structure before complete removal of all layers becomes necessary.
9. How much does a permit cost?
   The application fee is $80.00, plus $6.00 per $1,000.00 of the estimated project cost (see fee schedule on website).
10. Do I need a permit for new house siding?
    Yes. You must provide a property survey showing your boundary lines and photos of the two adjacent properties.