QLDC works to fix burst water main that shut school

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is expecting taps to be able to run again shortly in parts of Wānaka that have been without water for a chunk of the day.

The culprit, a burst water main on Beaumont Street.

Students at Mount Aspiring College were sent home early after the school was forced to close because of it.

A council spokesperson says the burst water main activated an automatic shutdown valve at the reservoir.

"We expect this reopened before 5pm. Supply is likely to remain off along Beaumont Street and some neighbouring streets while we repair the main."

A message earlier this afternoon on the Wānaka high school's Facebook page alerted parents and caregivers to the school closure.

While students who use school buses were able to be supervised until their usual departure time, others had been allowed to make their way home or be picked up by parents.

"We will update you again shortly with further details and are hopeful the matter will be resolved in time for school tomorrow," the school's message says.

Crux understands council staff have been at Beaumont Street today, along with council contractors Veolia and members of the local fire brigade.

It is not clear at this stage exactly what went wrong with the water pipe.

The council spokesperson acknowledges "the inconvenience for those affected including the Mount Aspiring College community".