Local Government Minister Simeon Brown is expecting word from two Wellington councils soon, regarding the area's water issues.

He wrote to local authorities before Christmas requesting information on the water shortage and leak problems.

Brown told Tim Dower that after some delay, Wellington City and Upper Hutt council are letting him know what they're doing to address the situation, which could cause a water emergency.

He says when Auckland had its challenges, only 13-percent of water was being lost, compared to 41 percent in Wellington and up to 50-percent in Upper Hutt.

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