The Selwyn District Council has also issued a 'Do Not Consume' notice for the Springfield water supply.
People can get urgent bottled water at the Springfield Fire Station.
Evacuation and welfare centres have been set up around Canterbury, including at marae.
Additional fire crews from around Canterbury and Army personnel from Burnham Camp have been sent to Ashburton to help with the flood response and possible evacuations.
Reporter Conan Young spoke to Susie Ferguson.
