Tauranga Girls’ College has closed for the day after a severe overnight water leak flooded school grounds.

In an email to parents, principal Tara Kanji said students would be sent home from 10.15am.

The leak forced the school’s water supply to be shut off for emergency repairs.

Kanji said without running water, the school was unable to provide functioning toilets or sanitation facilities, creating a health and safety risk.

The school consulted the Ministry of Education before deciding to close.

A severe overnight water leak flooded parts of Tauranga Girls’ College and forced the school to close for the day. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Students were released and allowed to use their phones to contact parents and arrange transport home. Buses had also been arranged to shuttle students on dedicated school bus routes home.

Staff remained on site to supervise students. Students under 14 who could not be collected would be supervised in the school hall for the day.

Emergency repair crews were on site throughout the morning working to fix the leak. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Parents were also asked not to call the school office so phone lines could remain available for emergency communications.

Kanji said emergency repair teams were on site.

The school expected to reopen tomorrow.