Local hapu are calling for a moratorium on water extraction from the Heretaunga aquifer which they say is being put under pressure from new water-bottling businesses.
A hui at Hastings' Waipatu Marae on Sunday resolved to ask the Hastings District Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council to put a halt to new water-extraction consents or increases to existing consents relating to the aquifer.
Hui attendees wanted the moratorium to remain in place until science and engineering data could prove the existing capacity of the aquifer to fulfil current consents, and that further consents would not impact adversely on the existing economy, communities, marae and households.
Waipatu Marae spokesman Ngahiwi Tomoana said Waipatu residents and other Ngati Hawea hapu members were concerned because parts of Twyford ran dry last year and orchardists were prohibited from irrigating their orchards.
"Last week, we were made aware that a deep well drilled in the near vicinity has struck salt water, a definite indicator of an aquifer under extreme stress, which could then affect the economic potential of the entire Hawke's Bay," Mr Tomoana said.