However, most are taking the inconvenience in their stride and saying there are actually some positives to be taken from the situation.
Water tanks are at 10 locations across the communities so people have access to clean drinking water.
Waikouaiti resident Rita Murphy said she had a large 20-litre water container on her bench for drinking water, and topped it up every day or so with smaller containers.
"It’s a bit of a drag. But I’ve found myself being a bit more organised because of it.
"I take more care about how much water I’m using so that I don’t have to refill it so often.
"I’ve even cut back on my coffee. I only fill the jug every two days."
Mrs Murphy said while it was inconvenient, a positive from the issue was she was now getting the best-tasting water she had ever had in Waikouaiti.
"Hot drinks are much better with water from the tanks because it’s got less chlorine in it.
"When you turn the tap on at my house, you can smell the chlorine and it’s horrible.
"I’ve lived in Waikouaiti for over 60 years, and this is the first time I’ve actually started drinking water again.
"So there is an upside to all of this."
Karitane resident and Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki manager Suzanne Ellison also said collecting water from the tanks was a "time-consuming nuisance", especially for families who went through large quantities of water for cooking and drinking.
"It’s quite a severe inconvenience to keep a family house supplied with clean water.
"The caution that they [the DCC] are showing is admirable, but we’d really like to get on with having our water back.
However, she too, said there were upsides to the situation.
"I endorse the comments about the water the council is providing in the tanks. It is better.
"And for us at the runaka, we’re concerned about the flow and the take from the Waikouaiti River at any time.
"The upside is that this is giving the river a bit of a rest from the pressure that’s on it."
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board member Sonya Billyard was pleased residents were taking the inconvenience in their stride and finding positives in the issue.
"It is what it is. We can’t do anything about it. People are accepting it for what it is."
She said residents were used to collecting their water from the stations now, and it was good they were not dwelling on any negative aspects.
"I think it’s because the blood tests for lead levels were good and that reassured people.
"All that anxiety that people had, has been put at ease. People are OK about it.
"It’s just a case of people drinking from a water tank and waiting."
