Beaches in East Lyme have reopened after a computer malfunction prompted an overflow of sewage.
More than 10,000 gallons of sewage leaked into the Niantic River when a computer that usually signals a pump to move the sewage broke around 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The malfunction caused storm drains to overflow. The waste traveled to Long Island Sound, which caused the town of East Lyme to close beaches due to concerns of possible water contamination.
Swimming was prohibited at McCooks Point, Hole in the Wall, Pine Grove, Crescent and Oswegotcie beaches, but the Ledge Light Health District tested water samples and determine that the beaches can reopen.
“We closed the beaches just to be cautious,” said East Lyme First Selectman Paul Formica. “We’re asking them not to go into the water.”
When the beaches closed, there were fears it could affect this weekend's East Lyme Festival, but the water test results were satisfactory.
Formica said on Thursday that visitors shouldn't stay away.
“I think we’ll be in pretty good shape come tomorrow (Friday) morning,” Formica said on Thursday.
All the state shorelines beaches are open as of Friday afternoon.
All lakes and ponds the state checks are open, except for Green Falls Pond, at Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown. It is closed because of low water levels.
