Hawke's Bay Regional Council is to closely monitor irrigation by farmers and crop growers as water levels in the region drop.
Some rain is expected in Hawke's Bay in the coming weeks, but it is unlikely to be significant.
The council's message to farmers and crop growers is to follow any restrictions when they come into force.
Council environmental officer Ian Lilburn says a handful of people have already been warned for irrigating too much.
He says the rules are black and white for farmers and crop growers choosing to irrigate from council waterways, and anyone who farms in a drought-prone area like Hawke's Bay is doing so at their own risk.
