Raptor Day...Found...Free Water Testing

Save the Date!
RAPTOR DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 1:30 P.M. AT THE LADY FATIMA CHURCH HALL IN DELANSON - Thank you to all that responded to the Raptor Day Survey. 

The DLA is looking forward to the Silent Wings event! 

It's going to be a HOOT!
(Silent Wings – Raptor Rehab and Education) will present a program about birds of prey on Saturday, April 26th. Three owls, a hawk, and a falcon will be coming along, so we will be able to see them up close and learn about them. This program is appropriate for all ages. Silent Wings comes highly recommended from local libraries. DLA members are encouraged to bring a friend or family member to join us for the event! 


Lost & Found
(update: owner has claimed the lost collar)
A purple dog collar (with some white dog hair clinging to it) that was mixed in with the returnable bottles and cans two weeks ago. If this is your furry friend's collar, please reach out to Pat Huff to retrieve it. You can reach Pat at pathuff1@hotmail.com.


Free Water Testing
Duane Lake Homeowners - Schenectady County Offers a Free Annual Drinking Water Test

If you have a well or use a treatment system for Duane Lake water, Schenectady County offers a free analysis of coliform bacteria. Water sample bottles (with instructions) can be picked up and then returned at the Environmental Health office at 107 Nott Terrace ste 300 – (518) 386-2818. The County recommends that potable water, whether from a well or the lake, should be tested at least once a year for bacteria and every 3-5 years for other contaminants.

Water sample bottles and water analysis forms must be picked up at the Environmental Health Division Office, 107 Nott Terrace, Suite 300, Schenectady, NY 12308 between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday except for Schenectady County’s Holidays.

Water samples WILL ONLY be accepted on Thursdays. Samples should be taken on Thursday between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm and submitted to Suite 300 of the Schaffer Heights Building at 107 Nott Terrace prior to 3:00pm on that same day. Samples collected more than 30 hours before reaching the lab are not valid, therefore there may be times that homeowners will have to resample if the 30-hour limit is exceeded.

Procedure for taking potable water samples for bacteriological testing:
  1. On a potable water tap (usually a kitchen or bathroom cold water tap), remove the anti-splash screen from the faucet if possible, and let cold water run for approx. 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Open the sealed sample bottle, making sure not to touch the inside of the bottle or the cap.
  3. Do NOT rinse out the bottle. (Certain bottles may contain a visible or nonvisible preservative)
  4. Slow down the water flow to eliminate splashing and fill the bottle to the 110 ML (milliliter) line.
  5. Do NOT over-fill the bottle and pour it out.
  6. Samples with LESS than 100ml will not be accepted.
  7. Securely seal the bottle, and record the name, date, and time the sample was taken on the bottle.
  8. Fill out highlighted areas on the “Chain of Custody Form” and return it to the Schenectady County Public Health Services, Suite 300.
Contact the Schenectady County Public Health Services Environmental Health Division at (518) 386-2818 with any questions regarding the proper collection of the water sample.
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