Westbrook fire fouls up water supply

Westbrook, Conn. (WTNH) - Some residents in Westbrook are being told not to drink the water after firefighters had to use water from the Long Island Sound to fight a fire.

The fire broke out Tuesday night at a house right on the water on Captain's Drive. The water pressure was so low at the hydrants that the firefighters had to use the Sound water. But there was a reverse flow that caused the salt water to mix in with the drinking water.

"Water supply was a big issue. We actually had to set two trucks up drafting out of the marina to help supply us with water," said Chief Michael Jenkins, Westbrook Fire Department.

Residents this morning complained to the water company about brown and salty water. The Connecticut Water Company says they will be flushing the lines today, but in the meantime they say residents shouldn't drink the water. About 250 customers have been affected.

Meanwhile, fire officials are trying to determine what sparked the blaze that destroyed the home.

Luckily, no one was home at the time. Three firefighters did suffer minor injuries.