UPDATED: Tauranga City Council have confirmed that the water shutdown on 15th Avenue is "proving more difficult to repair than anticipated".

A TCC spokesperson has also admitted that they can no longer offer a firm timeframe for repairs.

Council expect to have the water main repaired by 11am this morning. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

Council says: "The broken watermain is located on 15th Avenue near two high-pressure gas mains and a number of fibre optic cables.

"It has proven difficult to safely access and repair the main without risk to the workers or damage to the neighbouring utilities."

Earlier:

The broken water main on 15th Avenue that cut the water supply to properties yesterday is still being repaired.

Tauranga City Council estimates the repair should be completed by around 11am this morning.

The water main burst yesterday afternoon, sending a flood of muddy water downhill towards nearby businesses.

'The mains over there burst so all the water just came streaming down here into our area,” says Colin Bowler of Amusement Services Ltd.

'Plus all this dirt and stuff came with it. Then it ran down the back and flooded there as well.”

The premises also suffered some interior damage from the flood of muddy water, adds Colin.

'Luckily they stopped it before it got much worse,” he adds.

The water shutdown is still affecting around 24 properties, says a council spokesperson today.

'They're on Scantlebury Street - all even numbered houses and odds between 41 and 53, and 15^th Avenue - even numbers between 6 and 56.

'A water tanker is at 26B Scantlebury Street for water collection as needed. Customers who are unable to collect water or need assistance are asked to please contact council.”

Water has, however, been restored to Turret Road.

A temporary water supply has been set up for Mayfair Street via a water tanker pumping directly into the main.

The water main break also resulted in a high flow in the network which has resulted in discoloured water for some customers.

Running an outside tap for five minutes should clear the problem. However, if it persists, please contact the council on: 577 7000.