Northland's big dry is having an effect on water supplies in the Far North and Kaipara with water restrictions in place in both district.
Sprinklers have been banned in Kerikeri and Kaitaia while water restrictions are ramped up in Kaikohe as a water shortage continues to bite.
The Far North District Council says the restrictions are necessary despite the showers of recent days, because water use has soared in the district's eight water schemes and Niwa is predicting dry weather well into February.
The level 2 restrictions imposed on Kerikeri and Kaitaia mean it is now illegal for anyone connected to those council water supplies to use automatic or unattended garden hoses, sprinklers and irrigation devices.
Meanwhile, level 2 restrictions in Kaikohe have been lifted to level 3, which means even hand-held hoses are out. Homes and businesses connected to the Kaikohe water supply can only use a bucket to water gardens and wash buildings, cars or boats. Filling private swimming pools from the council water supply is completely banned.