A relatively dry winter and spring have Northland local bodies concerned the region could be headed for its third drought in as many summers.
Northland's worst drought in decades was declared in January 2010. Another drought was declared in December last year, but it was over after a few days of heavy rain.
With the La Nina weather pattern firmly over the country this summer, local bodies are to keep a close eye on ground moisture levels and water supplies.
Northland water resources will be closely monitored over the next two months to prepare for what is shaping up to be a very dry summer, the Northland Regional Council says.
The region was generally very dry through September, with rainfall varying from 30 to 85 per cent of normal. River flows were 15 per cent to 50 per cent of the normal September flows for the greater part of the region, but slightly higher (50 to 75 per cent) in some eastern areas from the Bay of Islands to Whangarei.
