Josh Cansler
Commissioner of Public Works
Town Hall, Room 203
Water Division, (518) 439-4955 option 1
E-mail:

Call the Water Division at (518) 439-4955, option 1 to:

- report problems with water mains or water meters;
- get information or assistance with water tap installations or maintenance.

**For after-hour and weekend sewer and water emergencies, please contact the Police Department at (518) 439-9973.**

Please note:  The use of water for sprinkling of lawns and shrubs shall be allowed only before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.

Water Permit Rates effective January 2010

Water/Sewer Bill Information

2008 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for the Town of Bethlehem District 1

2007 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for the Town of Bethlehem District 1

2006 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for the South Albany Water District

See how much water a dripping faucet can waste

Water Division - Department of Public Works
Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Is there flouride in our water?
A.  We do not add Fluoride to our water. The water we purchase from the City of Albany also does not contain fluoride. Please check with your doctor/pediatrician regarding fluoride needs.

Q. What is the hardness of our water?
A.  8-10 grains per gallon
140/150 parts per million
It is considered moderately hard.

Q.  Where is my water meter?
A.  Your water meter is usually located in your basement towards the front of your house where your water line comes through your basement wall.

Q.  How do I read my water meter?
A.  There is a dial on top of your meter and you would read the number from left to right (like the odometer in your car.) The meter reads water use in cubic feet (cf).

Q.  How can I check for a leak before I call a plumber?
A.  Read your meter at night before you go to bed, do not use any water facilities after this reading, when you get up in the morning, read your meter again - before you use any water facilities. If the numbers on the meter changed at all during the night, you have a leak.

Q.  How do I get the water turned off at my home to do repairs to my plumbing?
A.  If you do not have a valve on your water line before the meter or if it is broken and won't shut off, call the Water Department during business hours and we can arrange to shut off your water at the water main in the street so you can make your repairs. If you have any emergency after business hours, please contact the Bethlehem Police Department at 439-9973. We have personnel on call 24 hours a day to respond to all calls.

Q.  What do I need to do when I transfer ownership of property from one owner to another?
A.  A final meter reading (from inside meter) needs to be called into the water district 24 hours before the closing date on the property. An adjustment figure will be given over the telephone for the closing and the name on the account will be changed on the closing date.

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