Galway Central School District regularly tests drinking water for potential contaminants to ensure that it meets NYS and federal standards. Recently, we were informed that one of our water quality results exceeded a state drinking water standard for chloride, color, and manganese. Please note this is not an emergency, and no action is required on your part. 

Water quality results from a sample collected on January 8, 2026 from the entry point to the distribution system at Galway Central School District measured 416 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of chloride, which exceeds the NYS maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 250 mg/L. 

Chloride is commonly found in the environment – most often in the form of rock salt (sodium chloride) or other salts – and is essential for good health. It can become elevated in drinking water from road de-icing salts, inorganic fertilizers, landfill leachates, and industrial wastewater. Treatment of drinking water with chlorine or chloride can also increase the concentration of chloride in water. While exposure to high levels of certain chloride salts is associated with adverse health effects in humans, research has not conclusively demonstrated adverse effects from exposure to chloride itself. For example, high dietary intake of sodium chloride can be a contributing factor to high blood pressure, but this has been attributed mainly to the presence of sodium. The New York State standard for chloride is 250 milligrams per liter and is based on the effects of chloride on the taste, odor, and appearance of the water.

In addition, water quality results from a sample collected on November 25, 2025 from the entry point to the distribution system at the Galway Central School District Bus Garage measured 20 units and 0.38 mg/L for color and manganese, which exceeds the MCL of 15 units for color and 0.30 mg/L for manganese. 

Color has no health effects. In some instances, color may be objectionable to some people at as low as 5 units. Its presence is aesthetically objectionable and suggests that the water may need additional treatment. Manganese is a common element in rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals, Manganese occurs naturally in water after dissolving from rocks and soil. Contamination of drinking water may occur if manganese gets into surface or groundwater after dissolving from rocks and soil. It may also occur if manganese gets into surface or groundwater after improper disposal in landfills or by facilities using manganese in the production of steel or other products. Manganese is an essential nutrient that is necessary to maintain good health. However, exposure to too much manganese can cause adverse health effects. There is some evidence from human studies that long-term exposure to manganese in drinking water is associated with nervous system effects in adults (e.g. weakness, stiff muscles, trembling of the hands) and children (learning and behavior). The results of these studies only suggest an effect because the possible influences of other factors were not adequately assessed. There is supporting evidence that manganese causes nervous system effects in humans from occupational studies of workers exposed to high levels of manganese in air, but the relevance of these studies to long-term drinking water exposure is less clear because the exposures were quite elevated, and by inhalation, not by ingestion. 

In response to these exceedances, we are required to take several actions including: 

• Conducting a study to determine the underlying cause or causes

• Modifying existing treatment processes or installing additional treatment, as practicable, to regain compliance with state standards

• Collecting additional water samples as needed to better define the extent and nature of the issue

• Investigating the watershed or aquifer to identify any existing or potential changes that could affect the water supply

• Submitting a written report to Saratoga County Department of Health within 30-days summarizing the findings of these actions