The ongoing dry weather has left Ruapehu river systems at very low levels, requiring water restrictions to be reintroduced for the entire district.
Ruapehu District Council has re-enacted a sprinkler ban on all council-operated water supplies including Waiouru, Raetihi, Ohakune, Owhango, Ohura, National Park and Taumarunui, effective immediately.
Council environmental manager Anne-Marie Westcott said Ruapehu river levels were low and a substantial amount of rain was required.
"The small amount of rain that we have had over the recent past has not been anywhere near enough to make any sort of difference to the situation," she said.
"When we get rain the river flow levels peak and then quickly drop back to well below the minimum flow level at which automatic water restrictions come into effect."