KEY POINTS:
Aucklanders are being warned to reduce their water use as the dry weather threatens already diminishing supplies.
Watercare, Auckland's bulk water and wastewater supplier, is today starting an advertising campaign to urge people to take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing teeth and stop using hoses to wash cars.
"While our dam levels remain two-thirds full and consistent with historical trends, we would like to remind Aucklanders to use water wisely," said Watercare's water network manager, Mark Bourne.
The authority is so far stopping short of putting water restrictions in place - but warned that Auckland's water consumption was up 11 per cent compared to the same time last year.
"When the weather is dryer than normal there is a natural temptation to use more water," said Mr Bourne.
"However, we'd like to encourage sensible use, and are reminding people of some simple steps that will help to maintain the dams at good levels."
The Waikato region was declared a drought zone last week after its driest January in more than 100 years.
Waikato District Council communications manager Jo Ireland said yesterday that there were no plans to impose further restrictions. However that was dependent on the weather.
Meanwhile, Wellington is on the verge of its first sprinkler ban in 20 years, despite heavy storms on Sunday. Kapiti, north of Wellington, and Dunedin have also restricted the use of sprinklers.
Genesis Energy, which generates 75 per cent of its power from coal and gas, says its Moawhango Dam, north of Waiouru, is 10 per cent full.
The MetService is predicting showers this week in the Waikato, but not enough to break the drought. Auckland can expect similar weather.
WATER ADVICE
* Turn off the tap while brushing teeth. This can save up to four litres each time.
* Wait until there is a full load before turning on the dishwasher/washing machine.
* Fix leaky taps. Dripping taps can waste 1000 litres a day.
* Keep bath levels and shower lengths to a minimum.
* Hand-water the garden in the morning or evening to minimise evaporation.
* Cover soil around plants with mulch, straw or grass to help retain moisture.
- additional reporting: Jarrod Booker
