Water restrictions remain in place for customers on the Hampden-Moeraki water supply, with the source ''just'' providing enough water, the Waitaki District Council says.
About 12.6mm of rain has fallen in North Otago since January 11, which had offered a little relief, water facilities contracts engineer Michael Goldingham said.
''It's just providing enough water [but] we're worried things will dry back up again,'' Mr Goldingham said.
The Big Kuri Creek flow has reduced significantly, severely affecting the water supply intake.
With a long weekend approaching and high usage continuing around the district, restrictions will remain.
Water should be used for domestic and stock water purposes only and not garden watering and vehicle washing.
Mr Goldingham said it had been the highest water usage period the council had recorded for at least four years.
Figures showed water usage seemed to peak every three-four years, with high usage being recorded in 2003, 2007, 2010 and this summer.
''The amount of water [used] goes up with the temperature - the hotter it is, the more water they feel they need to use,'' he said.
Other water supplies were ''coping nicely''.
