Saratoga County, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- County Code § 285-6
- First-offense fine
- Up to $350
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $1,000
- Max jail term
- 6 months
- Enforcing agency
- Commissioner of Public Works
Summary
Saratoga County bans discharging anything but stormwater into its municipal separate storm sewer system, with limited exemptions for flows like groundwater and firefighting water, enforced under County Code Chapter 285.
Prohibition of illegal discharges. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the County MS4 any materials other than stormwater except as provided in Subsection A. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illegal discharge to the County MS4 is prohibited except as described as follows...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4649512; v10 updated 2025-11-18; through 11-18-2025).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 285-6 prohibits discharging or causing to be discharged into the County MS4 any material other than stormwater, and bars illicit connections to the system. A defined list of exempt flows, water line flushing, landscape irrigation, uncontaminated groundwater, air-conditioning condensate, residential car washing and firefighting water, among others, is allowed unless the County or NYS DEC finds them a substantial pollutant source. The Commissioner of Public Works enforces the article; violators receive a notice of violation and, under § 285-13, face fines starting at $350 for a first offense, rising to $700–$1,000 for repeat offenses within five years, plus up to six months in jail.
Violations & Fines
Notice of violation, then fines of up to $350 (1st offense), $350–$700 (2nd), $700–$1,000 (3rd+) within 5 years, plus up to 6 months jail, under § 285-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I discharge anything besides rain into Saratoga County's storm sewers?
What happens if I violate the stormwater discharge rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saratoga County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Saratoga County to another location·View the New York environmental rules overview
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