SAN ANTONIO -- New information was released on the effort to fight a mulch fire that erupted in Helotes.

The fire was not only causing air pollution, but tests confirmed it has caused water pollution as well.

When homeowners on private wells about 1,800 feet from the fire noticed their water turn smoky and stinky, they alerted the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Samples were taken from those two private wells, and runoff from the fire has been proven to indicate the water to be contaminated.

The families were told to not drink the water and were given a supply of bottled water.

The TCEQ said contaminants could be coming from the charred brush.

"When wood burns it leaves a residue that is a by-product of the incomplete production. Some of those have been detected in the wells," said TCEQ representative Cameron Lopez.

Firefighting operations were suspended through Tuesday after the contamination was discovered.

The TCEQ said they will be expanding their water testing sites.

It's important to note that water from San Antonio Water System is safe to drink. The concern right now is for those on private wells in the area.