A broken water main has forced two Dunedin schools to close early today. Pupils from Tahuna Normal Intermediate and Musselburgh School were sent home early after water supplies were cut to both schools school and surrounding houses this afternoon. Tahuna principal Tony Hunter said the incident happened about 12.30pm, as Downer contractors worked to remove a power pole near the school. It appeared the pole's concrete footing had damaged an underground water main as the old power pole was removed, cutting supplies and sending water pouring into the street, he said. Without water or the ability to flush toilets, the decision was made to close the school and send all 546 pupils home, Mr Hunter said.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 10, 2018 02:15 UTC