Aucklanders have been given their first warning about the impact of the city's driest summer in 50 years as other regions continue to reel from drought.
Watercare is today running adverts warning that while metropolitan Auckland's supply is "currently secure" and shortages are "unlikely", things may change if the dry weather continues through autumn.
"We're suggesting that people use water wisely now," a spokeswoman said.
The council-owned company, which manages the city's water supply, has a raft of water-saving suggestions, including:
* Using a watering can rather than a hose
* Fixing leaks
* Taking shorter showers
* Only using washing machines when you've got enough for a full load
* Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
The alert comes after the declaration of droughts in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay. Wairarapa, Manawatu-Rangitikei, Taranaki and Gisborne have also asked for help as the dry spell continues.
Farmers in the Wairarapa told Labour leader David Shearer yesterday that production would double if winter water could be captured and stored.
The capital is also feeling the impact, with Greater Wellington Regional Council banning all outdoor water use from Saturday.
Residents have also been asked to try to save 30 litres of water a day - the equivalent of three or four full toilet flushes.
Only 19 days of water are left in the city's reservoirs, and authorities are looking to draw water from the Hutt River as a last resort, the Wellington council said.
Auckland's use of the Waikato River has lessened its chances of restriction, but the level has dropped and Waikato Council is monitoring the situation daily.
Cyclone Sandra is expected to bring rain to most places this weekend - the first decent fall since mid-January - with showers to follow on Monday.
The rainfall is a step in the right direction but much more is needed to pull the country out of the grip of widespread dry conditions.
In North Otago, all fire permits will be revoked and a prohibited fire season imposed if it doesn't get any rain from Cyclone Sandra.
A prohibited fire season would follow those imposed in Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.
