Boil Water Notice Issued for Entire Village of New Paltz Following Contamination

Residents and businesses in the Village of New Paltz, a popular destination in New York’s Hudson Valley, have been advised to boil their water following the detection of elevated levels of coliform bacteria.

Water Contamination Discovered During Routine Testing

On Friday evening around 8 PM, the Village of New Paltz announced via Facebook that the Ulster County Department of Health had issued a Boil Water Notice for the entire village. The warning came after a routine water test revealed high levels of coliform bacteria, signaling the potential presence of harmful microbes in the municipal water supply.

Five Days of Caution for Residents and Businesses

According to the alert, residents and business owners using the municipal water system are required to boil their water for at least one minute or use bottled water for essential daily needs including:

Drinking
Making ice
Brushing teeth
Washing dishes
Cooking and food preparation

This precaution will remain in effect for at least five days, during which time the village will flush the water mains to help clear the contamination.

Health Risks and Vulnerable Groups

Coliform bacteria are naturally occurring and often used as an indicator for the presence of other, potentially more dangerous organisms. The presence of these microbes can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Health officials warn that ingesting contaminated water could cause symptoms such as:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Cramps
Headaches

Residents experiencing any of these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention, especially if symptoms persist.

Concerns Over Timing and Weekend Response

The timing of the announcement—late on a Friday night—has sparked concern among residents who fear they won’t be able to get timely information or assistance over the weekend. Many have expressed frustration on local forums and social media about the lack of immediate resources and support during off-hours.

Who to Contact

For those seeking additional information or clarification, the following contacts are available:

Ulster County Health Department: 845-340-3150
Village of New Paltz Office: Residents and business owners are encouraged to reach out during regular business hours for more localized guidance.
State Water System ID: NY5503379

As one of the Hudson Valley’s busiest tourist spots, New Paltz is home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and hotels, many of which are now adjusting their operations in response to the advisory.

Until further notice, all water-related precautions remain in effect as the village works to restore safe drinking water to its community.