Low rainfall in several areas of the country is putting pressure on town water supplies, forcing councils to put in place hosepipe and sprinkler restrictions.
In South Canterbury, Waimate's two water bores have been operating with no spare capacity for the fire service. Residents can now water their gardens only once every two days.
In the North Island, Whangarei had just a third of its usual rainfall in the three months to January.
Water levels in the Far North District are also under pressure and a ban on sprinklers and hosepipes is in place.
In the Coromandel Peninsula, the council says the influx of tourists is overwhelming usual water requirements.
