Winton water supply cut off after major leak

  • 29/06/2018
Schools and businesses have closed due to lack of water.
Schools and businesses have closed due to lack of water. Photo credit: File

The Southland town of Winton is without water after a rupture into a critical water line caused a major leak.

Residents are being asked to conserve water immediately after the leak occurred adjacent to Railway St, the Southland District Council said in a Facebook post.

Contractors have shut off the water supply to the entire town and schools and businesses have closed for the day.

The Magnolia Tree cafe manager Karen Hoffman says they have no choice but to shut up shop.

"We can't operate without water, our coffee machines don't work' our toilets don't work, it's totally unhygienic for us."

Central Southland College Acting Principal Peter Turnbull told Newshub hundreds of students had been sent home for the day on Friday.

"[We were] concerned for health and safety and hygiene, being unable to use toilets, flush toilets and wash hands."

Parents were asked to come pick up students from school as the bus companies were occupied on Friday afternoon.

"Most parents have done that, it's been amazing," Mr Turnbull said.

The water could be off until 5pm and the council said it greatly appreciated residents co-operation. 

Newshub.