Most Environmental Health Services for Essex County are conducted by a NYSDOH District Office (covering Essex, Franklin & Hamilton Counties) under the categories of:
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
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.
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
Boil Water Notices may be posted here. Information for your water district will always be available through your Town office.
Boiling Water and Emergency Disinfection-NYSDOH
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water-EPA
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.
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
Other required Environmental Health Services that the Essex County Health Department conducts include
