Lower Thames St. PHOTO: ODT FILESBusinesses in Oamaru’s town centre are bracing for a financial hit after being told of an eight-hour water shutdown while the council tends to underground Victorian-age drinking water pipes. Major disruption is expected around Oamaru’s Lower Thames St with businesses forced to close or scale back operations in order for outdated water valves to be replaced. A date for the shutdown has not yet been confirmed, but it appears many Thames St businesses will have to close. The area is also home to two hairdressing salons, a bakery and other businesses needing water for kitchens, sprinkler systems and bathrooms. A Waitaki District Council statement yesterday said the council would work with affected businesses "to minimise inconvenience as much as possible".

Source: Otago Daily Times January 12, 2026 15:35 UTC