Water mains have burst in two Wellington suburbs this morning, cutting supplies to homes and businesses.
Council spokesman Richard MacLean said major water outages were affecting Newlands and Kilbirnie.
He said a contractor had accidentally cut a main at the corner of Stewart Dr and Bracken Rd in Newlands, cutting supplies to most houses and businesses in the Newlands-Paparangi area.
In Kilbirnie, there had been a burst at the intersection of Rongotai Rd and Tacy St.
"We've got our contractors heading to both sites - we will keep you informed as to how soon water can be back on - and whether there are traffic disruptions," Mr MacLean said.
"In the meantime motorists are best advised to avoid both areas."