Water restrictions will be imposed across South Hokianga from today as a precaution against expected shortages later in the summer.
The level 2 water restrictions mean it will be illegal for anyone connected to the town supply to use sprinklers, non-handheld hoses and irrigation devices.
Far North District Council infrastructure manager Andy Finch said in most recent years restrictions were brought in at the beginning of December.
''Due to recent rainfall we've been able to delay them for more than three weeks. I'm urging all South Hokianga residents connected to council water supplies to remember that waterways feeding our Opononi-Omapere and Rawene-Omanaia water supply schemes are very sensitive to drought."
"We know that extra demands will be placed on Hokianga water supplies over summer, and we've seen some evidence of that starting already this year. Reducing water consumption now can delay, or avoid altogether, the need for more stringent restrictions later."
