Southlanders are being encouraged to prepare for another summer of water shortages.
Environment Southland issued the warning this week, with low water levels and a predicted dry summer both causes for concern.
Director of science and information Graham Sevicke-Jones said the region received good amounts of rain over winter and spring, but not all underground aquifers had bounced back.
Aquifers typically recharged over winter but the past two years had been unusually dry, he said.
The Edendale aquifer is at its lowest recorded level for this time of year.
According to Niwa’s long-term forecast, Southland is expected to have less rain than usual over summer.
Mr Sevicke-Jones recommended Southlanders "make preparations now".
