Spencer Water Contaminated

Residents of the central Massachusetts town of Spencer are being told not to use or even touch town water.

Police say that around 6:30 Wednesday morning residents began calling to complain of a burning sensation and rashes after they showered.

Officials determined that a malfunction at a treatment plant released dangerous levels of sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, into the water supply.

Police had to transport several residents to area hospitals for treatment.

Spencer's town manager says officials hope to have the system flushed out by Wednesday evening.