Water Main Break In Newburgh Closes Schools; Boil Water Notice Issued

NEWBURGH, NY — The city of Newburgh said a significant water main break happened Wednesday in the area of Little Britain Road, resulting in many of the city’s residents experiencing little or no water.

As a result, city officials have issued a boil water alert for the entire city of Newburgh.

The city’s engineers, water department and Department of Public Works, as well as the fire department, are on the scene assessing damage.

Additionally, city schools are either closed or dismissing students early.

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District said GAMS, all Newburgh Free Academy campuses and South Middle School dismissed students at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

For GAMS, buses will release at 9:30 a.m. However, bus numbers 11, 24, 26 and 42 will not be arriving at GAMS for the 9:30 a.m. early dismissal. Students will be picked up at GAMS, but their buses may be delayed as late as 10:30 a.m.

PreK at GAMS is closed, as is Horizons on the Hudson and Newburgh Free Library, school officials said.

City of Newburgh officials said the boil water notice — which applies to the entire city — means tap water must be brought to a rolling boil, boiled for one minute and then cooled before using.

Bottled water certified for sale by the state Department of Health may be used.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further notice.

Tankers of water will be stationed throughout the city for residents at the following locations:

• Recreation Parking Lot at 2 Washington St.
• Broadway between Johnson and Lander streets
• Liberty Street Washington Heights