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SARATOGA: Saratoga spa options: mineral water or a blend?

The Associated Press
Before or after luxuriating at the spas, take in a race at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.

Before or after luxuriating at the spas, take in a race at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.


People who use the famed "natural mineral water" baths at Saratoga Spa State Park will soon be able to soak in a tub filled entirely with heated mineral water, defusing a flap over what some saw as adulteration of the quintessential Saratoga Springs experience.

Around 14,000 customers come to the baths each year and pay $20 to soak in the bubbly waters.

But there was controversy earlier this year after a report that the mineral water was being mixed with municipal tap water. The state and the company that operates the Roosevelt baths - Xanterra Parks & Resorts - were combining heated public drinking water with the cold carbonated mineral waters pumped up from below ground.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said that as of 2008, customers will be able to choose between the blended bath and one solely of heated mineral water.

Earlier this summer, the agency announced that Delaware North Parks & Resorts will assume control of the baths and the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center as of Jan. 1.

Roosevelt Baths saratogaspastatepark.org/rooseveltbaths.html

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