Schools closed as Ohakune faces water shutdown

Ohakune schools will be closed on Monday as the town grapples with a water shutdown caused by leaking pipes.

The Ruapehu District Council and water contractor Veolia are urging residents to conserve water, warning the town's reservoir is down to 12 percent.

A council spokesperson said the leak, caused by last month's earthquake, was discovered on Thursday and repaired the following day, but the need to remove air from the water line had delayed the fix.

The council had brought in port-a-loos and was providing tankers of drinking water, but stressed that they were for homes and essential services, and businesses may need to close.

"The reservoir has been drained, so it takes time for that reservoir to refill and then for the treatment to come through," Horizons Regional Council chair Nikki Riley said.

"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.