Water restrictions are rapidly becoming more widespread, as the effects of the dry summer expand around the country.
Councils have enforced restrictions on farmers, homes and businesses from the Far North to the Otago.
With no sign of rain forecast for the next week, Horizons Regional Council said water restrictions are now in place for the Tararua, Manawatu and Whanganui catchments.
Water restrictions are in place throughout the country. Photo: Tasman District Council
Otago Regional Council will issue a water shortage direction to three farms along the Taieri River, between Paerau and Waipiata, this morning.
Council chief executive Peter Bodeker said after a 24 hour irrigation ban and flow tests last week, it has decided a small amount of water can be allocated to the farms, within minimum flow restrictions.
Water for irrigation from some other rivers in Otago including the Shag and Kakanui is either no longer available or is also being rationed or rostered.
And the Far North District Council has started imposing water restrictions on businesses and households in the Hokianga area.