Village to New Paltz residents: Do not drink the water

The following emergency notice has been issued by the Village of New Paltz:

The Village of New Paltz has received several odor complaints from various locations within the Village of New Paltz Water District. As a precaution, the Village of New Paltz and Town of New Paltz water districts are issuing a Do Not Drink Advisory and recommend you drink bottled water from a certified source until water district personnel can determine that the water is safe to drink.

It is recommended that you do not use the tap water for drinking, cooking or making ice.

The village is currently investigating the source of the odors and will provide updates as information is available.

For more information, please contact the Village of New Paltz at 255-1980 or the Ulster County Health Department at 845-340-3010.

Mayor Tim Rogers, in a letter, said the advisory is precautionary, and that there “have been no indications that our municipal water in its highly pressurized system has been contaminated or that the water is harmful.”

The mayor acknowledged “not being able to pinpoint what is going on is rightfully frustrating for residents. Staff will continue to sample and focus on this issue.” He also reiterated the request that anyone noticing a strange odor in their water should contact one of the agencies listed above.

Monday, Feb. 10, 3:55 p.m. update:

• There is now a potable water tanker in the Village Hall parking lot, located at 25 Plattekill Avenue. Residents and businesses are welcome to bring their own vessels and stock up on water as needed. More will be available if necessary.
• All schools and offices in the New Paltz Central School District will be closed tomorrow, February 11. Out of district transportation will be provided at the usual scheduled times.

Monday, Feb. 10, 5:15 p.m. update: 

• Don’t use tap water for drinking, cooking or making ice. Bathing, showering, washing your dishes or clothes is OK according to county officials.
• Samples of water have been taken in numerous locations around the service area, including the water treatment plant. Results expected in a day or so.
• The Village is now working with State and County officials coordinating water distribution to residents. At present, at Village Hall, there is a 6000 gallon water tanker with drinking water available. It’s self serve and you must use your own containers. Bottled water will arrive to the same location at Village Hall later today. There will be additional locations throughout the village.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 morning update:

In addition to the self-serve tanker at village hall, there are water bottles available; 5 bottles per person. Water bottle distribution stopped last night at 10:30 p.m. and began again this morning at 8 a.m. Self-serve tankers are open around the clock.

There is a self-serve tank at Meadowbrook Apartment complex and Huguenot Park apartments, with another at Town & Country coming soon (or possibly there by the time you read this).

There is also water available at SUNY New Paltz. The college is taking the following steps:

• Peregrine [Dining] Hall will remain open during its regular hours.
• The Roost, Nesters, and Element 93 will remain open as “grab and go” only.
• All other food service venues will be closed until further notice.
• No catering will be provided [Tuesday, Feb. 11] If you have an event scheduled, please contacting catering.
• A tanker of potable water has arrived on campus, located in front of Peregine Dining Hall for faculty, staff and students. Please bring an empty vessel to fill. Please be judicious in taking only the water you need.
• All faculty, staff and commuter students are encouraged to bring their own water to campus [on Tuesday, Feb. 11].
• Several pallets of one-gallon jugs of water have arrived on campus. Staff members are currently working to distribute the water to Hugo’s in the Student Union Building, as well as to each residence hall.

Tuesday afternoon update: The college has canceled classes through Saturday and is asking resident students who can leave to do so. Here’s more info.

Earlier today, according to the governor’s office, 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.

This info is up to date as of Tuesday afternoon. The village Facebook page is a good place to check for the latest updates throughout the day.