Gisborne's main water pipeline has been reconnected four days after a break that threatened the city's supply.
Acting engineering works manager Dave Hadfield says stabilisation work on the repaired pipe should be completed by Sunday, which will be followed by several days of testing.
The pipe was broken by a landslip on Monday night.
He says the water supply should be fully back to normal within eight to 10 days, with restrictions continuing on hosing of gardens and lawns.
But Mr Hadfield says Gisborne residents have done fantastically well in saving water and the reservoir storage situation has improved.
He says that means water rationing is looking less likely and there should be no disruption to the district's major food processors as they begin seasonal work next week.
