NYS Sanitary Code Part 5
Public Drinking Water
The primary purpose of the Water Supply Program is to ensure the safety of the county’s public water supplies. Environmental Health staff inspect and sample water supplies on a routine basis as well as respond to complaints and conduct investigations to assure compliance with the NYS Sanitary Code Part 5.
You can contact the Water Program staff, file a complaint, or call us at (518) 584-7460.
• Conduct inspections of public water supplies.
• Collect surveillance sampling of public water systems.
• Respond to complaints.
• Investigate reports of water-related illnesses.
• Perform enforcement action for violations.
• Issue Boil Water Orders and other advisories as necessary.
• Review and approve plans for water system improvements.
NYS Sanitary Code Subpart 5-1 Public Water Systems
Water Systems Operation Report
Water Systems Operation Report – UV
Standard Operating Procedures Template – Organizational Tool for Water System Operators
Application for Renewal of Operator Certification
List of Certified Backflow Testers
The Saratoga County Department of Health will inform the public of water emergencies via multiple outlets, including:
• Press releases sent to local TV stations, radio stations, and newspapers.
• Posting on our website.
• CodeRED – instant notification
• Social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
Information for Consumers:
Information for Residents and Homeowners
Checklist for Residents and Homeowners
Information for Water Suppliers:
Restaurant Operation During a Boil Water Order
FAQs for Food Service Establishments
Checklist for Food Service Establishment Operators
Information for Hospitals and Medical Facilities:
FAQs for Hospitals and Other Resident Medical Facilities
Checklist for Hospitals and Other Resident Medical Facilities
If you would like to make changes to an existing water system or create a new small water system, please refer to the following submittal package for more details: Small Public Water System Submittal Package.
Application for Approval of Plans for Public Water Supply Improvement
Application for Approval of Backflow Prevention Devices
Appendix 5-D Standard for Wells Serving Public Water Systems
Service Line Inventory Guidance
Lead Service Line Inventory Template (XLS)
Consuming water containing high levels of harmful algal blooms may have effects on the liver and the nervous system. Direct contact or breathing airborne droplets containing high levels of harmful algal bloom toxins during swimming or showering can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat and inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Pet owners should keep their pets away from water with algae blooms. If animals ingest the toxins, they can become sick quickly. If you believe your pet has been exposed to HABs, please contact your veterinarian.
Saratoga County Department of Health encourages the community and visitors to: Know It, Avoid It, and Report It. For more information, please visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/habsbrochure.pdf
Private Drinking Water
Saratoga County Department of Health provides technical assistance to property owners regarding their private water supply. Water supply sources include dug or drilled wells, ponds, and springs.
Germs and chemicals can enter your drinking water from runoff and natural changes in the water that serves your well. Using contaminated water for drinking, preparing food, and making ice can make you, your family, and your pets sick. Babies, children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with health conditions are most at risk of health effects from consuming contaminated water. Please see the guidelines at Test Your Well: Protect Your Family’s Water for more information on how to test and maintain your private drinking water.
Find an accredited environmental lab near you.
Water filtration units that use granulated activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) can be effective in removing these chemicals from drinking water in homes. For more information, please visit In-home Water Filtration Options for Household Drinking Water.