Three Otago rivers are running at critically low levels, despite most of the region getting significant rain over the past seven days.
More rain is forecast for the coming week, but the Pomahaka (at Burkes Ford), the Waiwera (at Maws Farm) and the Waitahuna (at Tweeds Bridge) Rivers are still running at below minimum flows.
Otago Regional Council regulatory acting general manager Joanna Gilroy said council staff were monitoring rivers and consented takes to ensure the waterways were protected for all.
Consent holders and catchment groups were doing a great job with how they were managing their water use, she said.
"We acknowledge that for some of our communities, this will be a difficult time, as people will be starting to feel the effects of this dry weather leading into winter.
"We encourage farmers to make plans and take action early with regards to stock feed and to reach out early for support and advice."
She recommended farmers check for leaks around stock-water and irrigation infrastructure; irrigate at times when the water was more likely to be absorbed; and apply irrigation so that it was retained in the pasture or crop root zone.
"If you are unsure if your irrigator is applying the right amount of water, our catchment advisers can help you carry out a bucket test."
