An All Too Common Occurrence Shuts Down Road In New Paltz

If you were making your way through New Paltz, you have probably been made aware of a water main break that has resulted in a road closure in the Village of New Paltz.

Around 10 AM this morning people started reporting water running down Route 208 in the Village of New Paltz. It was a lot of water moving at a brisk pace.

Water Main Break Closes Part of Route 208 in New Paltz, New York

The New Paltz Police Department reported around 11:15 a.m. that there was indeed a water main break on Route 208. The break has resulted in the closure of Route 208 from Main Street in the Village of New Paltz south to Hasbrouck Avenue.

The Village of New Paltz Department of Public Works was unable to comment at this time, most likely due to the emergency repairs being underway.

Pictures were shared on social media when the break first occurred and by the looks of the water running down Route 208, the repairs will be significant.

New Paltz DPW Quickly Went to Work on the Repair

The New Paltz Police were unable to say how long the repair might take or how long traffic would be disrupted in the area. Expect that even after the road re-opens there will be partial closures until the full repair is made.

Many people reported discolored water in their homes just before and immediately following the break. Once the repairs are done the Village will most likely notify residents about how to flush their lines which is done by running faucets until the water runs clear.

In the meantime, residents should avoid drinking or using water.

The Village of New Paltz has experienced many water main breaks over the last few years.  Some just north of where today's break was reported.

Take a Brown Water Survey To Help the Village of New Paltz Solve Water Issue

On the The Village of New Paltz website, there is a Brown Water Survey posted. This survey has been up and running. They are asking people to fill out the survey when they encounter brown water in their service in hopes they can determine where repairs need to be made before a major break like the one today occurs.

Just a few weeks ago on June 25th, the New Paltz DPW was repairing a similar break at 10:52 am on Route 208. The area seems to be plagued with faulty pipes. If you live in that area you may want to fill out the survey to help with future repairs.

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