A collapsed wastewater tunnel has sent sewage spilling into Wellington Harbour, prompting a warning for locals and closing streets.
Wellington Water has warned people to stay out of the water and avoid any waterfront splash zones.
Likely discharge points for the sewage are near the dive platform and Whairepo lagoon.
Drivers are urged to avoid the Upper Willis St area until late tonight to allow urgent work by Wellington Water to prevent sewage flowing into the harbour.
Willis Street will be closed between Vivian Street and Manners Street. Ghuznee Street will also be closed between The Terrace and Victoria Street.
Signed diversions will be in place, including for buses. Access for local traffic will be available, but not through the Willis/Ghuznee intersection where trenches and temporary pumps will be installed.
Residents and office workers in the inner city are being asked to minimise their water usage to reduce the load on the network and size of the overflow.
The wastewater tunnel beneath Willis and Dixon streets collapsed this morning and has now been made safe, with Wellington Water investigating the blockage.
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