City of Saratoga Springs
Department of Public Works
Anthony “Skip” Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works
Old Red Spring Re-Opens
Spring Was Closed During National Grid Remediation Project
Saratoga Springs, NY – Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced that the Old Red Spring was re-opened for public use. The spring was closed during a remediation project and work was completed by contractors hired by National Grid. DPW conducted work related to the re-installation of the fountain itself, painting the pavilion, and utilized the opportunity to improve internal plumbing on the spring and install new copper spouts.
“Mineral 
springs are an important piece of our character and history as a community and it’s great to be able to re-open this spring following the remediation work by National Grid,” said Commissioner Scirocco. “DPW staff did an outstanding job putting the finishing touches on updating this spring and making certain it meets the standards of our destination community.”
According to published reports, the Old Red Spring was discovered around 1784 by Samuel North and that the first bathhouse was constructed at the spring. The rusty deposits leftover by the water were the basis of the springs name. A chalybeate spring with high iron content, the spring is known for curing blood and skin diseases.
Description of the Remediation Work:
In August of 2019, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (NMPC), currently doing business as “National Grid,” completed remediation work at Operable Unit 2 of the NMPC Superfund site on Excelsior Avenue. The work, which got underway last Fall included removal, stabilization/solidification, and/or containment of soil contamination from historical production of gas at the NMPC property for gas street lights. The project was overseen by the USEPA, NYSDEC, and NYSDOH and involved numerous engineering and construction firms. It also included cooperation from nearby business owners and the City’s Department of Public Works who operates underground utilities as well as the Old Red Spring Pavilion that are located within or adjacent to the project area. The scope and complexity of the project required a cooperative, full-team effort in order to achieve its goals and completion deadline. The project site has since been meticulously restored and the general public is now welcomed back to enjoy the mineral water provided by the Old Red Spring.