Water Unsafe To Drink In New Paltz; SUNY New Paltz Closes

NEW PALTZ, NY — Because of odor complaints from various locations with the Village of New Paltz Water District, residents of the village and town of New Paltz have been warned not to drink the water. They should only drink bottled water from a certified source until water district personnel can determine that the water is safe to drink.

Officials said not to use the tap water for drinking, cooking or making ice.

State officials have assessed that bathing, showering and washing dishes or clothes are safe.

SUNY New Paltz officials have canceled all classes from 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Resident students have been mandated to leave the campus by Wednesday and plan on being away from the campus at least until Sunday.

Students who are unable to leave campus should contact their resident director immediately. International students are encouraged to reach out to the Center for International Programs for support.

For students who have to remain on campus, the school will continue to provide safe drinking water and limited food services at Peregrine Dining Hall. Any food plan will be accepted through Sunday.

While classes are canceled, SUNY New Paltz offices are open and employees are expected to report to work.

For more information, check the SUNY New Paltz website.

According to a post on the New Paltz school district website, all schools will re-open on schedule Wednesday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday he deployed more than 40,000 gallons of fresh water to support residents and students in New Paltz following the do not drink advisory from the New York State Department of Health and Ulster County Department of Health.

"Our first priority is always to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers and we stand with New Paltz every step of the way to provide immediate support during this difficult situation," he said. "I have directed my administration to deliver clean drinking water to local residents and students, and we will continue to work closely with local officials and provide additional resources as needed."

After receiving notification of the reports, state and local officials immediately began to investigate the cause and make both bottled and potable water available to impacted residents until further notice. DOH, DEC and DHSES staff are on site at the command center actively monitoring the situation. In addition to sampling conducted by the village, DOH is collecting samples for a variety of analysis based upon the types of odors. DOH is working with local officials to implement a plan to effectively and safely lift the do not drink advisory.

Earlier Tuesday, the village's water treatment plant operator discovered a sheen on one of the village's reservoirs and promptly reported it to the Department of Environmental Conservation. DEC immediately responded to the scene and is currently investigating. As a precaution, absorbent booms and pads have been placed in the reservoir and DEC Spill Responders will continue to remain on site to ensure public health and the environment are protected. More information will be provided once available.

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