Canterbury 'needs to be prepared for the worst' if drought continues

If the drought continues in Canterbury, the regional council says it won't just be farmers feeling the effects.

Environment Canterbury's latest report shows low river levels and a lack of groundwater recharge going into summer, after a much drier winter than expected.

Surface water manager Tim Davie says the region needs to be prepared for the worst.

He says if normal rains don't come, fish will have to be moved and some bores and irrigation allocations won't be useable.