Council worker hurt in Invercargill pump station explosion

The explosion at a pump station on Myers St in Waikiwi could affect water supplies for three days. Image/Google Maps

Invercargill residents have been told to urgently save water after an explosion at a pump station this afternoon that put a worker in hospital.

The explosion happened just after midday at the station on Myers St in Waikiwi.

One of two contractors working on an electrical switchboard at the station was taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called and WorkSafe has spent the afternoon assessing and investigating the site. Council and PowerNet staff have also been working to assess and restore services.

Meanwhile the council has issued an urgent notice for all residents and businesses in Invercargill and Bluff to conserve water for two to three days.

The order comes in the middle of a South Island heatwave, with predictions Invercargill could register its hottest-ever October day today.

Council water manager Alister Murray said residents in northern and eastern parts of Invercargill would experience lower than normal water pressures while the pump station was out of action.

"We do have problems with distributing water within the Invercargill network and also down to Bluff and are asking all consumers to make strenuous efforts to conserve water," he said.

"We need to move as quickly but as safely as possible to restore this essential service. We are very conscious that the hot weather would ordinarily mean higher than usual water consumption and in the meantime we are asking people to limit their water use until further notice," Murray said.