Invercargill City Council is urging residents to conserve water, after an explosion at a water-pumping station.
The New Zealand Fire Service says it was called to the scene at 12:10pm, and discovered smoke coming from the station and an injured person being treated by St John Ambulance staff.
The 25-year-old man was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
The Waikiwi pump is now out of use, and the council warns some residents in the northern and eastern parts of Invercargill may experience lower-than-normal water pressure. All residents should conserve water.
"Residents are being asked to urgently conserve water for the next two or three days, as council and contractors work to restore the damaged systems and get the pumping station working again," said Invercargill City Council water manager Alistair Murray.
"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."
WorkSafe was called and has been on the site throughout the afternoon.
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