A watermain has burst on Molesworth St, which means water to some propertoes will be temporarily turned off. Image / Twitter
Wellington Water has repaired a burst water main on Molesworth St that sent Ministry of Health staff home from work.
Wellington Water advised just before 9am that a team was responding to a burst main at 69 Molesworth St.
The potentially affected area included the Ministry of Health, the New Zealand Police National Headquarters and Thorndon New World.
In a statement, a Ministry of Health spokesperson confirmed staff have been sent home for the day due to the burst water pipe.
"Staff will be working remotely, where possible," they said.
A police spokesperson said New Zealand Police National Headquarters has a reserve tank system and essential staff are able to continue working in the building.
A spokesperson said non-essential staff, who can work from home, may be asked to by their managers to help preserve supply.
But Wellington Water managed to fix the pipe by 1pm, restoring water services to all affected. properties.
"Customers are reminded to run a cold tap to clear any air pockets or cloudy water from the pipes prior to using hot taps, dishwashers or washing machines", a spokesperson said
A team will remain on site throughout the afternoon to reinstate the area alongside traffic management.
A short section of Molesworth Street was reduced to one lane for repair work, while a no-parking area was established on the opposite side of the road.
Earlier, a water tanker was on site to provide a supply of water to affected properties as well as bottled water.
Due to the burst main, there was a small release of sediment on to the road, the spokesperson said.
"This will be cleaned up and protection has been installed at downstream sumps. This is to prevent further run-off into the stormwater system while the repair is carried out."
Wellington Water thanked people for their patience.
The Ministry of Health has been approached for comment.
Students were asked if they'd changed a nappy in the days leading up to the outbreak.