A water main has burst on Colombo St just north of the roundabout with Centaurus Rd on Thursday.

Traffic was delayed and households were without water after a water main burst in Christchurch.

The water main burst on Colombo St just north of the roundabout with Centaurus Rd late on Thursday afternoon.

Christchurch Transport Operations Centre spokesman Steven Mann said the water main burst in "spectacular fashion".

SUPPLIED The main burst in spectacular fashion.

Traffic was under stop and go until the main could be repaired, he said.

Homes in the Thorrington neighbourhood were warned their tap water may not be restored until midnight.