Cause of New Paltz Drinking Water Issue Potentially Identified

It's still advised to not drink water in New Paltz, but officials may have identified the problem.

Tuesday night, Village of New Paltz officials announced the cause of the water issue might have been identified.

The NYS DOH and DEC are currently investigating reports of a sheen at the village reservoirs on the Mountain Rest Road water treatment plant property. The state has expedited the testing and results are expected Wednesday.

Officials have isolated the likely cause of the sheen observed on Reservoir #4 to a compromised underground fuel line for the village's water treatment plant heating system, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.

DEC Spill Response experts are overseeing the development and implementation of a cleanup plan to address this spill.

"Protecting public health and safety is our top priority and with the potential source of this contamination now identified, our work to restore New Paltz's water system and put an end to this situation continues," Cuomo said. "As this happens, we will ensure residents continue to have access to clean water and the community has the support and access to resources that it needs." 

The timeline for getting the water system back online is still unknown.

Residents are still advised to not use the tap water for drinking, cooking, or making ice. However, state and county officials deemed it "okay" to use the water to shower and wash your dishes and clothes.

Free potable water will continue to remain available until further notice at village hall and at the Meadowbrook, Huguenot Park, and Town and County apartment complexes.

New Paltz Central School District reopened for school on Wednesday. Two days of water have been provided to New Paltz schools, officials say.

SUNY New Paltz canceled all classes and ordered students to leave campus until at least Sunday.