March 2016 Newsletter: Around Town by Dave Pierce

Around Town by Dave Pierce

Previously in this newsletter, there was information regarding the town’s purchase of the Hawkwood property. The preservation of this property in its natural state is critical in preserving the water quality of Ballston Lake. The Ballston Parks and Rec committee is looking for additional members to help plan and develop the recreation possibilities for this property. If you are interested, please contact the committee through Carol Shemo, town clerk.

The Planning Board voted against allowing 8 second restoring LED lighting on the billboards that exist on Rte 50 from McCrae Hill to Brookline Rd.

The town board changed the zoning law to make it harder to build extremely dense housing projects in the town. The density bonus clause of the present zoning law was removed. Your Well Water: Is it drinkable? by Dave Pierce Lately the quality of the water we drink has received a lot of publicity. Look at Flint, Michigan, Hoosick Falls, and Bennington Vermont. It makes sense to be alert about the safety of your drinking water. NY DOH stated
the following testing frequencies as guidelines:

1. Once each year test for coli form bacteria, nitrate, pH, and Total Dissolved Solids. It is best to test for
these contaminants during the spring or summer following a rainy period. These tests should also be
conducted after repairing or replacing an old well or pipes and after installing a new well or pump.
2. Every 3 years test for sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese, lead, hardness, and corrosion index.
3. If a new baby is expected in the household it is a good idea to test for nitrate in the early months of
pregnancy, before bringing an infant home and again during the first 6 months of the baby’s life.

In addition it is good to be aware of the following issues regarding well water quality:

1. Is your well near or downstream from your or your neighbor’s septic system?
2. Do you use yard chemicals within 50 ft of your well?
3. How deep is your well?
4. Do you have domestic animals that leave excrement near your well?
5. Do you have copper water supply pipes? Test for lead.
6. Is your water treatment system working properly? chlorinator, carbon filter, ultraviolet, reverse osmosis.
7. Is your well casing above ground level?
8. Is your well casing under water when the lake goes over its bank or when standing water is present?
9. Is there a manufacturing, mining, or farming business near your property?

Where you live or what you are living next to can sometimes affect the quality of your well water. If someone in your family becomes ill or the taste, odor, color of your water changes, your water supply may be contaminated. To get your well water tested contact an authorized lab to obtain the necessary sample bottles.
Locally there is:CNA 27 Kent Street Ballston Spa, NY phone 884-08