UPDATE 2.45PM: TIN Can Bay’s water has been restored hours earlier than expected following a catastrophic disruption that cut the town’s supply early this morning.

Gympie Regional Council confirmed on its Facebook page the burst pipes were fixed and the service brought back online about 2pm, well ahead of the expected 5pm minimum deadline it had originally raised.

The council’s post advised residents to be aware air released into the water system may cause discolouration.

“The best way to fix this is to run an outside tap close to the water meter for a few minutes until the air escapes and the water clears,” it said.

“Council apologises for any inconvenience.”

EARLIER 1.45PM: TIN Can Bay residents have been left high and dry in the middle of sweltering heat after multiple burst pips cut the town’s water supply this morning

Gympie Regional Council’s staff have been working since early this morning to repair the pipes at Dolphin Ave and Tuna Way.

And relief might not be arriving soon; the council has advised the town it may be without water access until at least 5pm this afternoon.

Some businesses have been left unable to serve lunch in the town due to the breakdown.

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It is understood a spike in water pressure caused the breaks.

A free pop-up drinking water station has been established in the town at Dolphin Arcade, near Century 21 and the bakery, for affected residents.

Residents are being urged to conserve water and flush toilets only in an emergency.