Surface and groundwater use in Rangitikei has increased in the past two decades but there is plenty more to go around.
Less than half the water available for irrigation is being used, signalling potential for increased irrigation in the district.
The Rangitikei Strategic Water assessment reports were released this week and Mayor Andy Watson said it was encouraging for the district's agricultural sector.
Rangitikei District Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries each put $100,000 into the study, and the Catalyst Group was commissioned to assess the use and availability of the resource.
The report said the surface water take in Rangitikei had increased more than 100 per cent in the past 15 years but 39 per cent, or 110,000cu m a day, was still available.