Waste water leak closes Niantic beach - WFSB 3 Connecticut
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There were some long, disappointed faces on the beach in Niantic on Thursday after thousands of gallons of waste water leaked into the river, forcing health officials to close the swimming area.
It's the peak of summer, and even on a cloudy day like Thursday, people are in the water. But, because "no swimming" signs have been posted, a lot of people are upset, especially those who rent cottages.
Getting a cottage on the beach for the summer is a tradition for many families.
The Sander family from Newburgh, NY, said waking up to the no swimming signs is discouraging.
"It turned out to be a little rainy and cloudy, so maybe we can excuse that," said Lowell Sanders.
The problem turned out to be a computer glitch in the waste pump house. A switch failed to turn on the pumps when the effluent in a holding tank bubbled out.
First Selectman Paul Formica said he estimates about 10,000 to 15,000 gallons of waste water leaked out into the storm drains, which lead to the Niantic River.
"We've learned about these things so we have a spare computer panel on-site. We were able to get the vendor right down and it was back online in a few hours," Formica said.
In the meantime, the local Ledge Lighthouse District closed the immediate swimming areas as a precaution at Hole in the Wall Beach, and McCook Park.
Water samples that were taken are currently being tested at the state lab.
Until the all clear is given, lifeguards remain on duty to keep swimmers out of the water.
"I'm disappointed the beach isn't open, but we'll survive," said Julie Sanders.
The testing takes about 24 hours to be completed.
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