A restriction on water in the Clutha District is not concerning Otago farmers at this stage but they say it does not bode well for later in the summer.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research says a La Nina weather system across the country will mean a dryer than normal summer.
The dry conditions have already set in in parts of Otago.
Clutha District Council has announced water restrictions for the district, with watering hoses and sprinklers to be used only between 8pm and 8am.
However, water services manager Hank Stocker says farmers won't be affected by that and the council has never had to increase the restriction beyond the one announced on Thursday.
Federated Farmers' Otago President Michael Lord says he's surprised by the water restriction.
He says plenty of spring rainfall has ensured soil moisture has been particularly good over the past few months.
