Christchurch residents are being urged to save water now or face water restrictions soon.
Water supplies were very low which had caused water pressure to drop in some areas, Christchurch City Council city water and waste manager Mike Stockwell said in a statement.
Low reservoir and pressure levels could pose a fire-fighting risk or lead to household appliances which require water, taking longer than normal to fill.
The council was legally obliged to hold reservoirs at a certain level for fire fighting needs. Once supplies go below that mark, the council would start restricting water supply to households, Mr Stockwell said.
Recent Environment Canterbury checks found groundwater and river levels had continued to fall in the Christchurch area due to continued demand on groundwater pumping.
Recent hot, dry weather had reduced water levels in most of the city's artesian supply wells to almost record lows, which has made it difficult keeping hillside reservoirs filled and created low water pressure in some areas of the city.
The council is running an advertising campaign to inform residents on ways to save water.
- NZPA
Christchurch residents urged to save water
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