UPDATE: Water declared safe to drink in New Paltz

UPDATE: 2/14/2020 – The “Do Not Drink” advisory for the Village of New Paltz Water System is now lifted.

According to officials, the system was flushed and re-sampling of the water distribution system by the New York State Department of Health showed “no detectable levels of petroleum compounds.” Residents should be advised that the water can be used for drinking.

“Following swift deployment of state resources and the isolation of the contamination source, our extensive testing shows no detectable levels of petroleum compounds in the New Paltz water system and that the water is safe to drink,” Governor Cuomo said. “While we are pleased with the outcome, we will continue to be vigilant and ready to confront any and all threats to our public health.”

The spill was determined to be the result of a compromised underground fuel line for the village’s water treatment plant heating system. The Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Response experts are overseeing the cleanup of the spill that compromised Reservoir #4. The village is bypassing this reservoir during the clean up. Flushing of the system occurred throughout the day Wednesday to move clean water through the distribution system and the additional samples collected Thursday showed non-detectable levels for petroleum compounds, allowing the “do not drink” advisory to be safely lifted.

Homeowners are advised to flush their plumbing to remove any old water that may be lingering in the pipes of their household or business.

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On Monday, officials in New Paltz advised residents to not use tap water for drinking, cooking or making ice after several odor complains were reported from various locations throughout the village.

According to officials, “the village is currently investigating the source of the odors.” Bathing, showering, washing your dishes or clothes is deemed okay at this time.

As of Tuesday, February 11, 2020, “out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our students,” the State University of New York at New Paltz decided to cancel all classes that begin at 3:30 p.m. or later on February 11, and continuing at least until Saturday, February 15. The school is also “mandating that all resident students leave campus by noon, Wednesday, February 12, and plan to be away from campus at least until Sunday, February 16.”

“For those who must remain on campus, we will continue to provide safe drinking water and limited food services at Peregrine Dining Hall. Peregrine Dining Hall will accept any food plan through Sunday, Feb. 16. In recognition of limited number of facilities available to students on the 3 and 10 meal plans, we are applying a 20% discount for students who use dining dollars to purchase entry into Peregrine Dining Hall. This discount is effective immediately and will continue until further notice. “ Full statement from SUNY New Paltz: LINK

“Our licensed water operator and state officials have taken samples of water in numerous locations at the treatment plant and throughout the system. The NYS DOH and DEC are currently investigating reports of a sheen identified this morning at the village reservoirs on the Mountain Rest Road water treatment plant property.

“The timeline for getting the system back online will remain unknown until we have more specific information about any potential contaminants.”

Residents can continue to pick up water at multiple locations: • Village Hall: Bring containers to fill from a 6,000 gallon tanker at village hall (available 24 hours), and/or pickup of 5 water bottles per person or one case per household.

• Meadowbrook apartment complex: There is a “water buffalo” with 500 gallons of water at near unit 512. Residents need to bring containers for filling and it will be available 24 hours a day.

• Huguenot Park apartment complex (45 N. Chestnut Street): there is a “water buffalo” with 500 gallons of water, enter at Front Street and drive to the back of the lot. Residents need to bring containers for filling and it will be available 24 hours a day.

• Town & Country apartment complex: we are currently setting up a “water buffalo” with 500 gallons of water, enter at Front Street and drive towards the reserved spaces. Residents need to bring containers for filling and it will be available 24 hours a day.

The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, located on the SUNY New Paltz campus, will also be closed during this time period.

New Paltz Central School District: All schools will reopen on the usual schedule. More information can be found at www.newpaltz.k12.ny.us and parents are encouraged to check their emails for more information and any updates.

More info + updates from the Village of New Paltz can be found, here: https://www.villageofnewpaltz.org


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