From Saturday a total ban on any outdoor water use in Wellington will be put in place as drought and depleting water levels continue to threaten the capital.
The Department of Conservation will also close Matiu Somes Island in Wellington's harbourin the afternoons from Saturday,saying the fire risk has become too dangerous to allow visitors at that time of the day.
No rain of any significance has fallen in Wellington since the first week of February and councils across the region will ban all outdoor water use from Saturday.
Wellington City Council says those caught using water could face a fine of up to $20,000.
Businesses where water is a necessity will be exempt from the ban.
MetService says there's likely to be a reprieve for Wellington and other areas struggling with dry conditions with rain predicted this weekend.
