Rawene residents have been warned to slash their water consumption now or face strict restrictions as the stream supplying the town drops to critical levels.
Drought conditions forced the Far North District Council to introduce water restrictions in the South Hokianga town in late February but the situation had worsened since then with still no sign of rain.
Infrastructure and assets manager David Penny said the situation was critical and people had to reduce water use immediately.
''The Petaka Stream is flowing at extremely low levels. If we don't get significant rain soon, there simply won't be enough water in the stream to meet demand.''
Mr Penny was disappointed that residents had not reduced water consumption since February, despite the council writing to every household.
The council would be monitoring water use and people caught using a hose or sprinkler could face a significant fine. More severe water conservation measures could be imposed if water demand did not drop immediately.
''We are asking Rawene residents to limit water use to essential household needs. Failing to do so could leave us no option but to reduce the pressure of water supplied to households or, in a worst case scenario, only supply water to households for sanitary purposes.''
On a positive note, demand for water had dropped significantly at Opononi-Omapere where the council introduced water restrictions in January.
''We're not sure if this is because fewer holiday makers are in the area or people have made an effort to reduce their water consumption, but either way this is pleasing to see.''
The council was not yet in a position to remove water restrictions at Opononi-Omapere, Kaitaia or Kaikohe.
''We're disappointed that Kaitaia households haven't reduced their water usage. The water situation there isn't quite as critical as in Rawene, but our message to residents there is the same: Cut your water use now or face more severe restrictions.''
Water Restrictions
Level 2 restrictions are in place in Opononi-Omapere, Rawene and Kaitaia where it is illegal to:
* Use a hose pipe
* Wash vehicles or windows other than with a bucket or water blaster
* Fill or top up all swimming pools
* Operate a commercial auto vehicle washer that doesn't recycle water
Level 1 restrictions are in place in Kaikohe where it is illegal to:
* Use a hose pipe other than with a hand-held trigger attachment
* Use a garden sprinkler or irrigation system unless this is for commercial purposes (e.g. to irrigate market gardens)
* Fill swimming pools
* Operate a commercial auto vehicle washer that doesn't recycle water