Auckland’s Western Springs College closed tomorrow after a major sewage leak

A major sewage rupture at a central Auckland secondary school has prompted its early closure today, which will continue onto tomorrow.

An email sent to parents and caregivers by Western Springs College today says the hazardous drainage has seeped into carpets.

Western Springs College Principal Ivan Davis told the Herald they have not yet determined what caused the massive leak.

“Plumbers and the building’s operational designers are coming to check the plumbing.

“The school is a three-level building. The sewage is coming from the top floor’s toilets bubbling through the floor drains of each floor’s toilet then seeping into the stairwells and entrance carpet.

“It’s major.”

A major sewage leak at Auckland's Western Springs College has prompted it to close early. Photo / Dean Purcell

Davis later confirmed to the Herald the college will be closed tomorrow so they decontaminate the area from harmful E. coli.

Students are being asked to do online learning for the day, with each class beginning with a “Google meet” with the teacher.

Davis said he was unsure of how long it would take to remedy the issue.

“Ministry’s emergency co-ordinator tells us the carpeting would have to be lifted and replaced, which might mean students would have to do online learning tomorrow. I will make a call on that by 4pm.”

Late this morning, parents were told students would be sent home at the end of lunchtime.

“We have a major sewage leak in the school which is seeping into the carpeting and creating a health hazard for all occupants of the main building,” Davis said in the correspondence.

The college has also posted on social media alerting parents and the community of the situation.

Posted by Western Springs College - Ngā Puna o Waiōrea on Sunday, August 13, 2023

Akula Sharma is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2022. She has previously worked at the Gisborne Herald.