Saratoga Springs City

In compliance with state regulations, the City of Saratoga Springs releases an annual report detailing the quality of your municipal water. This report aims to enhance your understanding of tap water and highlight the importance of protecting our water sources. We're pleased to report that last year, your water met all State health requirements with no violations of maximum contaminant levels.

Our water primarily comes from the Loughberry Lake Watershed and the Geyser Crest groundwater system. During high-demand summer months, water is pumped from Bog Meadow Brook and three Bog Meadow groundwater wells to maintain adequate lake levels. The Loughberry Lake source undergoes conventional treatment at our Excelsior Avenue facility with flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration, followed by ultraviolet light and sodium hypochlorite disinfection. Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay.

The Geyser Crest wells receive sodium hypochlorite disinfection and fluoride addition. While all systems are interconnected, Loughberry Lake remains our primary supply for most of the city, with Geyser Crest wells serving the Geyser Crest Subdivision and southwestern portions.

Our system serves approximately 28,000 residents through 9,680 service connections. In 2017, we produced 1,613,719,000 gallons of water, with a daily average of 4,421,000 gallons. Our peak usage reached 7,020,000 gallons on August 4, 2017. Of this production, 1,127,192,580 gallons were delivered through metered sales, leaving 486,526,420 gallons (about 31.0%) unaccounted for due to city operations, main flushing, firefighting, breaks, and unauthorized use.

The NYS Department of Health has completed source water assessments for our systems. These evaluations found moderate to elevated susceptibility to contamination for our water sources due to various factors including proximity to residential areas, industrial facilities, agricultural lands, and the natural characteristics of our watershed and aquifers.

1. Why does my tap water appear cloudy initially, then clears up?
   The cloudiness results from tiny air bubbles in the water, similar to carbonation in soft drinks. These bubbles naturally rise to the surface and dissipate. This phenomenon occurs more frequently during winter when water temperatures are colder.
2. What causes the 'red slime' occasionally found in my shower?
   Certain airborne microorganisms thrive in moist environments like showerheads, sink drains, tiles, pet dishes, and humidifiers. These naturally occurring slimes are generally harmless. Regular cleaning with Lysol or chlorine-based products helps prevent buildup of these bacterial films.
3. What creates the blue-green stains where water drips in my sink?
   These stains come from copper, which is present in most residential plumbing systems and can leach into water over time.
4. Is my water considered soft or hard?
   Saratoga Springs water is medium soft, with hardness levels typically ranging from 60-90 parts per million (milligrams per liter). For reference, this equals approximately 3.5-5.0 grains per gallon, useful when following dishwasher soap instructions.
5. Is chlorinated water safe to consume?
   Yes. Numerous studies confirm that the chlorine levels in treated municipal water are safe for human consumption. Chlorine is essential for maintaining disinfection throughout the distribution network.
6. Should I repair my dripping faucet?
   Absolutely. Drips waste water and increase your costs. A faucet dripping 60 times per minute wastes over 3 gallons daily or 1,225 gallons annually. Contact a local plumber for repairs.