Tainted Water Prompts SUNY New Paltz to Close Classes
NEW PALTZ — In the wake of a village-wide water contamination issue, SUNY New Paltz canceled classes for nearly an entire week and mandated its residents to evacuate the campus until classes were back in session.
Gov. Cuomo’s office announced that a probable cause had been identified: a leak in an underground fuel pipe belonging to the heating system of the village’s water treatment plant. Village and State officials are working tirelessly to return safe water to the denizens of New Paltz.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, SUNY New Paltz officials canceled all classes taking place after 3:30 p.m. until at least Saturday, Feb 15. The decision was made out of caution for the safety of students while NYS Dept. of Health tested the water supply.
According to student Angela Hill ‘21, students received text alerts early Monday morning informing them of an investigation into odor and taste complaints.
“By 2 p.m. that day, they informed us not to drink the water at all.”
“During classes on Monday students were definitely worried about the situation. I don’t think anyone expected that the school would have to be evacuated,” Hill said. “By 2 p.m. that day, they informed us not to drink the water at all.”
This coincided with a Do Not Drink Advisory issued by the Village of New Paltz Public Works Dept. The advisory warned residents to avoid drinking, cooking or making ice with water from the tap. It was quickly determined by state officials that it was safe to bathe and wash clothes, though many on and off-campus residents were still paranoid to shower.
When classes were cancelled on Tuesday, the school also urged those living in residence halls to leave by noon on Wednesday, and to plan to stay away from the area until Sunday Feb. 16. Busses were sent to Long Island and New York City to bring students home.
In order to accommodate those that were unable to leave, clean water and safely prepared food was offered at Peregrine Dining Hall for the duration of the week, while all of the other campus eateries had been shut down by Tuesday. A 20% discount was issued for those using “dining dollars” for entry, and all meal plans were accepted.
Most of the offices on campus have remained open through all of the investigations, and some students have stayed behind. The story broke quickly, and “on Tuesday, there were news crews interviewing people and everyone carrying water bottles or gallon jugs,” according to Hill.
Large clean water tankers and bottled water was made available for pickup at Village Hall and several apartment complexes. The Times-Herald Record reported that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sent 40,000 gallons of fresh water to New Paltz last week.
The root of the tainted water crisis can most likely be found in a nearby reservoir, where an abnormal sheen was reported to appear at the surface. A press release by the Village of New Paltz explained a plan to bypass the reservoir and “flush” the contaminated water.
Classes are set to reopen on Monday, Feb. 17.
Cover photo: Angela Hill at SUNY New Paltz