Petroleum Compounds Found In New Paltz Water; Testing Continues

NEW PALTZ, NY — Preliminary results from the Village of New Paltz water storage tanks show non-detectable levels for petroleum compounds. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the samples collected overnight by the state Department of Health were tested at Wadsworth Center Laboratories, the state's public health lab.

The results from the samples will help determine the breadth and time needed to flush the village water system and life the do-not-drink advisory.

"Protecting our water supply is critical to protecting public health and safety," Cuomo said, "and now that we've identified the problem and have encouraging test results, we will continue our efforts to restore access to clean water to this community."

The village had earlier determined that a compromised underground fuel line serving the village's water treatment plant heating system on Mountain Rest Road was the likely source of the contamination.

Officials said flushing of the system will continue throughout the day Wednesday. Additional samples will be collected Thursday, and those results will help determine whether drinking restrictions can be lifted.

Water is being distributed in the village from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from one 6,700-gallon water tanker. There are three 500-gallon water buffalo tanks on site, as well as 25 pallets of bottled water.

All needed services are being maintained for SUNY New Paltz students who remained on campus. There are multiple water tankers and water buffalo tanks on site, along with numerous pallets of bottled water.

New Paltz public schools are open, and two days of water have been provided to the schools.

A state Department of Environmental Conservation contractor will be conducting daily checks of water levels of all water buffalos and filling them as appropriate.

NEW PALTZ, NY — A leak in a fuel line has been determined as the likely cause of contamination of drinking water in New Paltz. The compromised underground line serves the village's water treatment plant heating system on Mountain Rest Road.

Reservoir No. 4 is being bypassed while samples continue to be collected and tested, the Times Herald-Record reported.

Village and town resident have been warned not to consume the water — no drinking, using for cooking or making ice cubes.

State officials did say, however, that bathing, showering and washing dishes or clothes were safe.

Classes at SUNY New Paltz were canceled through Saturday, with resident students mandated to leave campus and plan on being away until at least Sunday.

The state deployed more than 40,000 gallons of fresh water to New Paltz.

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