Alert warns Ohakune residents of water outage after quake damage

An emergency mobile alert has been sent to Ohakune residents as the central North Island town faces a water crisis.

The water supply has been turned off after the pipeline supplying the ski town's reservoir broke in last month's 5.9 earthquake near Taumarunui.

Residents and visitors are being told not to use tap water or flush toilets, and to conserve supplies.

Water tankers and portable toilets had been set up in the town, Horizons Regional Council chair Nikki Riley said.

"The reservoir has been drained, so it takes time for that reservoir to refill and then for the treatment to come through.

"But until then, the good people of Tongariro Water will be supplying water for the township."

Tap water was not expected to be restored until 5pm Monday. If restored before then, the water would need to be boiled before use, the council said.

It warned against using public toilets.

Drinking water was available at various locations around the town, it said.

Nearly 1400 people live in Ohakune but the population can double or treble during the ski season.

Drinking water

Bottled water: Ruapehu District Council office, 38 Ayr St; Thames St opposite the Powderhorn; Goldfinch St/Shannon St corner; rear car park of the Ohakune iSite; Clyde St car park; Moore St outside Top 10 Holiday Park.

Water tanker: Council office. Please reuse empty 5-litre bottles and refill them there.

Emergency toilets

Port-a-loos: Council office, 38 Ayr St; Thames St opposite the Powderhorn; Goldfinch St/Shannon St corner; rear car park of the Ohakune iSITE.