Measures to restrict, suspend or revoke water take consents in a catchment which feeds the ailing Selwyn/Waikirikiri River will be investigated.
The river has had record low flows this summer and has dried up along large stretches, including at once popular swimming spots such as Coes Ford.
Environment Canterbury will look into two possible options to help address the situation and report back to the Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee.
One option is that ECan could issue a temporary water shortage direction allowing it to restrict or suspend taking water from the catchment feeding the river.
Under the RMA, a water shortage direction can be applied when there is "a serious temporary shortage of water" which could not have been predicted. It would expire after 14 days but could be renewed.