Gisborne city water supplies are still struggling to cope with demand, so restrictions on use remain in force.
Photo: Delia Giandein/ Unsplash
Level two water restrictions were imposed by Gisborne District Council on 27 January and have just been renewed.
This means sprinklers can only be used between 6am and 8am at residential properties and businesses on town supply have been asked to conserve water.
Council team leader for drinking water Judith Robertson said the community had reduced its water use in the past week, but needed to keep conserving water as much as possible.
The Mangapoike Dam was 84 percent full, Robertson said.
Waipaoa Water Treatment Plant has been put into operation to supplement the city supply, but it depends on river flow.
Unless it rains soon, the river flow could drop to the ecological cut-off limit, meaning the Waipaoa plant could not continue taking water.
"If this occurs, we will need to review our current water restrictions," Robertson said.
"If you discover any leaks, please get these fixed quickly and notify council about leaks in roads or connections.
"Also please let us know if you spot excessive water use around the city."
People are asked to avoid watering gardens in the heat of the day and sweep rather than hose down paths.
Water restrictions are in place in many areas of New Zealand, including Auckland, Hamilton, Coromandel and Hastings, after long periods of dry weather this summer.