Most Environmental Health Services for Essex County are conducted by a NYSDOH District Office (covering Essex, Franklin & Hamilton Counties) under the categories of:
- Community Environmental Health and Food Protection
- Environmental Health Exposure Investigation, Assessment and Response
- Environmental Radiation Protection
- Individual Water and Sewage Systems
- Public Water Supply Protection
- Public Health Nuisances
- Realty Subdivisions
- Tanning Facilities.
New York State Department of Health District Office
41 Bernard Street Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Phone: 518-891-1800 Fax: 518-891-5895
Email: saranaclake@health.ny.gov
Regulations & Permit Requirements
Temporary Food Service Permit – Guidance for Vendors & Community Event Organizers
Visit www.airnow.gov for the most up to date air quality in your area.
Air Quality Information:
What are some air quality tips for New Yorkers?
Air Quality Index available at airnow.gov describes our current air quality, in New York, Air Quality is usually excellent, e.g., less than 50. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality. More guidance in the document links below.
Blue Green Algae and Health
Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in lakes and streams. They can form dense blooms that discolor the water or produce floating scums. Some blue-green algae produce toxins which can cause health effects in people and animals. Blue-green algae itself can cause health effects in people and animals when water with dense blooms is contacted or swallowed or when airborne droplets are inhaled.
Health effects associated with exposure to blue-green algae blooms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. If you have been exposed to blue-green algae blooms rinse off with clean water immediately and consider medical attention for the health symptoms noted above.
Reporting Blue-green algae
Beach Closures by County-Map and Waterbodies
Public/Regulated Beaches: contact the NYSDOH environmental health district office at 518-891-1800 or saranaclake@health.ny.gov
Other Surface Water/Bathing Areas that are not regulated by NYSDOH: follow the instructions under Report It! on the DEC Harmful Algal Blooms website
Most algae blooms are harmless. However, exposure to toxins and other substances from certain HABs can make people and animals sick.
HABs have been monitored closely across New York State since 2012. DEC’s Division of Water recently published an analysis of HABs titled: “Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).” HABs present several management challenges and this study and other research help advance the understanding of HABs to inform sound, scientifically driven, decision making to protect public health and the environment.
DEC Launches NYHABS for 2023: New York HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms) Notification and Reporting SystemDEC and the NYS Department of Health have announced the start of the 2023 online New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) interactive map. DEC is asking the public and trained algal bloom samplers to send reports of HABs with photos electronically via a simple, mobile phone-friendly form. Once evaluated by DEC and DOH, reports are posted to the NYHABS page providing easy access to inform the public about HAB locations in New York.
When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to:
- Know It – HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration.
- Avoid It – People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
- Report It –The public should report a suspected HAB through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC’s website. Report health concerns related to HABs to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.
For more information about HABs (harmful algae blooms), visit DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) webpage. You can download the HABs brochure and program guide, which includes information and links to resources regarding bloom prevention, management, and control.
⬆A beach closure alert was issued July 5, 2023 for two public beaches in Port Henry in the Town of Moriah due to blue green algae blooms. alert was lifted on 7/7/23
A beach closure alert was issued July 6, 2023 for Ballard Park Public Beach in the Town of Westport due to blue green algae blooms. Alert was lifted 7/13/23.
Boil Water Orders
Boil Water Notices may be posted here. Information for your water district will always be available through your Town office.
9/6/23 4:49 PM – Town of Ticonderoga – 9/8/2023 THIS BOIL WATER ORDER IS NOW LIFTED.
PARTIAL BOIL WATER ORDER
September 6, 2023
Ticonderoga WD
Ticonderoga T., Essex Co.
YOU ARE HEREBY ORDERED TO BOIL ALL WATER FOR DRINKING AND CULINARY
PURPOSES. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1107 OF THE
PUBLIC HEALTH LAW.
THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS ONLY:
ROUTE 9N FROM TRAILNORTH FDERAL CREDIT UNION TO THE WELL HOUSE
INCLUDING STREET ROAD, WARNER HILL ROAD, CHARBONEAU ROAD, AND
VETERANS ROAD.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water
to a rolling boil in a clean container, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before
using. You may also use bottled water certified by NYSDOH, or use water from a
public water system approved by NYSDOH. Boiled or bottled water certified by
NYSDOH should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth,
and food preparation until further notice.
The Boil Water Order is being issued due to lack of water and/or water pressure
because of a major water main break.
A Boil Water Order is a required procedure when water service is disrupted and
there is a loss of satisfactory water line pressure.
Consumers will be notified as soon as the Boil Water Order is rescinded. The
Boil Water Order will remain in effect until the repairs are complete and
satisfactory coliform bacteria samples are collected on two consecutive days.
8/22/23 – Town of Elizabethtown
PARTIAL BOIL WATER ORDER
August 22, 2023
ELIZABETHTOWN WD
NY1500277
Elizabethtown T., Essex Co.
YOU ARE HEREBY ORDERED TO BOIL ALL WATER FOR DRINKING AND CULINARY PURPOSES. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1107 OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Route 9N, South from Court Street (River Street)
Woodruff St
Garondah Acres
Lincoln Pond Road
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil in a clean container, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using. You may also use bottled water certified by NYSDOH, or use water from a public water system approved by NYSDOH. Boiled water or bottled water certified by NYSDOH should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
7/19/23 – Town of Essex – LIFTED 7/28/23
FAQs & Checklists for Food Establishments, Residents, and Homeowners
PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER ORDER
July 19, 2023
ESSEX WATER DISTRICT
PWS # 1500278
ESSEX T., ESSEX COUNTYYOU ARE HEREBY ORDERED TO BOIL ALL WATER FOR DRINKING AND CULINARY PURPOSES. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1107 OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED TO EVERY KNOWN WATER USER OF THE ESSEX WATER DISTRICT.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil in a clean container, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, use bottled water certified by NYSDOH, or use water from a public water system approved by NYSDOH. Boiled or bottled water certified by NYSDOH should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice.
The New York State Department of Health sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of microbiological contaminants is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. If water is inadequately treated, microbiological contaminants in that water may cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and possibly jaundice, and any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water but may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water. The New York State Department of Health has set enforceable requirements of treating drinking water to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Treatment such as filtering and disinfecting the water removes or destroys microbiological contaminants.
On Sunday July 16th through Tuesday July 17th failure of our intake pumps prohibited us from treating water and filling the water storage tank. During this time, the water was safely provided to the Water District from the treated water storage tank. Yesterday afternoon (July 18th) we were able to start treating water and filling the storage tank; however, the turbidity levels in the water are higher than normal. Due to the higher-than-normal turbidity levels, we are issuing a Precautionary Boil Water Order for the entire Water District. While we continue to filter and disinfect our drinking water with chlorine, we are currently unable to remove all of the turbidity in our drinking water and meet NYS standards.
Consumers will be notified as soon as the Boil Water Order is rescinded. The Boil Water Order shall only be lifted when finished water turbidity levels are below the NYS regulatory limits, adequate disinfection is maintained, and two consecutive daily samples show no bacteriological contamination.
6-22-23 – Saranac Lake Village
PARTIAL BOIL WATER ORDER
June 22, 2023 – LIFTED JUNE 26, 2023
Saranac Lake Village
Saranac Lake Village, Essex Co.
YOU ARE HEREBY ORDERED TO BOIL ALL WATER FOR DRINKING AND CULINARY
PURPOSES. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1107 OF THE
PUBLIC HEALTH LAW.
THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS ONLY:
Lake Flower Avenue from Best Western to Turtle Pond Road including Crossfield Ave, Duprey St.,
Tara Drive, Poplar Lane, Edward St., Lakeview Terrace, Will Rogers Drive, and Turtle Pond Road.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water
to a rolling boil in a clean container, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before
using. You may also use bottled water certified by NYSDOH, or use water from a
public water system approved by NYSDOH. Boiled or bottled water certified by
NYSDOH should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth,
and food preparation until further notice.
The Boil Water Order is being issued due to lack of water and/or water pressure
because of a major water line break. A Boil Water Order is a required procedure
when water service is disrupted and there is a loss of satisfactory water line
pressure.
Consumers will be notified as soon as the Boil Water Order is rescinded. The
Boil Water Order will remain in effect until the repairs are complete and
satisfactory coliform bacteria samples are collected on two consecutive days
Boil Water Alert – Westport, NY_6-15-2023
Boiling Water and Emergency Disinfection-NYSDOH
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water-EPA
6-15-2023 – Westport NY Bessboro Lane:
PARTIAL BOIL WATER ORDER
June 15, 2023 – LIFTED JUNE 20, 2023
WESTPORT WD
NY1500296
Westport T., Essex Co.
YOU ARE HEREBY ORDERED TO BOIL ALL WATER FOR DRINKING AND CULINARY
PURPOSES. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1107 OF THE
PUBLIC HEALTH LAW. THIS ORDER IS BEING ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING AREA:
ALL HOMES ON BESSBORO LANE.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water
to a rolling boil in a clean container, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before
using. You may also use bottled water certified by NYSDOH, or use water from a
public water system approved by NYSDOH. Boiled water or bottled water certified
by NYSDOH should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing
teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
The Boil Water Order is being issued due to a water main break. A Boil Water
Order is a required procedure when water service is disrupted and there is a
loss of satisfactory water line pressure.
Consumers will be notified as soon as the Boil Water Order is rescinded. The
Boil Water Order will remain in effect until the repairs are complete and
satisfactory coliform bacteria samples are collected on two consecutive days
4/15/2022 – LIFTED 4/12/2022 – Saranac Lake Village – A Boil Water Order for the FOLLOWING LOCATIONS ONLY:
Lake Flower Avenue from Colony Court to Turtle Pond Road including Cortez Lane, Crossfield
Road, Duprey St., Tara Drive, Poplar Lane, Edwards St., Lakeview Terrace, Will Rogers Drive, and
Turtle Pond Road. This Boil Water Order does not include Colony Court.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water
to a rolling boil in a clean container, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before
using. You may also use bottled water certified by NYSDOH, or use water from a
public water system approved by NYSDOH. Boiled or bottled water certified by
NYSDOH should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth,
and food preparation until further notice.
The Boil Water Order is being issued due to lack of water and/or water pressure
because of a major water line break.
A Boil Water Order is a required procedure when water service is disrupted and
there is a loss of satisfactory water line pressure.
3.7.2022 – Schroon Lake – A Boil Water Order was issued to the Newcomb Senior Center. The UV disinfection system was in the alarm mode, potentially because of multiple power outages. As soon as the UV unit is repaired the Town will collect 2 consecutive days of bacteria samples. Once both sample results are received and both are negative for Total coliform and E. Coli, the BWO will be lifted. The BWO has been posted at the water system.
3.8.2022 – LIFTED/NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 3.2.2022 -Town of Schroon – Water main break in the Schroon Lake Water District resulting in the loss of pressure in a portion of the distribution system. Repairs to the system are underway and are expected to be completed later 3.3.2022. A partial BWO has been issued. The BWO applies to the following areas of the Schroon Lake WD water supply (PWS NY1500292): EVANS LANE, HILLSIDE AVE, CENTER STREET, CROSS STREET. The Water Operator and Town Supervisor have contacted all known users in these areas. The BWO will be lifted after acceptable bacteriological water sample results are received by the Saranac Lake District Office. The first samples will likely be collected later 3.3.2022.
Mold and Health
Learn about mold, cleaning your home and preventing future growth with these New York State Department of Health resources below.
Mold & Your Home: What You Need to Know
Our Environmental Health Services
Lead Paint Safety for Painting, Maintenance & Renovation
Other required Environmental Health Services that the Essex County Health Department conducts include