Polaris Spring – Text of Narration

let’s explore Polaris Spring, one of the unique mineral springs at Saratoga Spa State Park. Polaris gets its name because the water flows true north, aligning with Polaris, the North Star. Originally, the water came to the surface through cracks in shale rock, but now it’s channeled up through a 6-inch pipe. As it approaches the surface, the pipe narrows to a quarter of an inch, which creates a strong spout that can shoot water nearly four feet into the air. Polaris is considered the mildest mineral spring in the park, meaning it has the least amount of dissolved solids—mostly calcium carbonate, sodium, and chloride. No matter the season, the water maintains a steady temperature of 55 degrees and never freezes in winter. Saratoga’s springs are the only cold-water, carbonated mineral springs found east of the Rocky Mountains. Narration provided by Michael Lenz and brought to you by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club.