Partial water restrictions will be introduced on the Lake Hayes scheme from Friday - the only scheme in the Lakes District to have restrictions of any kind placed on it so far.
Queenstown Lakes District Council waters manager Gerry Essenberg said residents on the scheme had made a "significant" contribution towards reducing summer water use.
"It is clear that consumers have taken on board the message about conserving water and that needs to be acknowledged."
Because the community had shown more awareness of the limitations of the scheme and had "clearly adjusted the demand" the council was able to impose a partial watering restriction, as opposed to a water ban. However, the situation would be monitored daily.
"We do have some concerns that increased water use over Christmas and New Year could compromise this and have taken the decision to introduce the limited water restrictions."
Washing vehicles and filling small swimming pools could take place between 6am and noon using hand-held hoses only, Mr Essenberg said.
While full restrictions could be imposed with minimal warning, if Lake Hayes residents continued to be careful with their water use it was possible that could be avoided.
Meanwhile, the Lake Hayes Water Supply was the only one to have restrictions of any kind placed on it.
Arthurs Point and Lake Hawea schemes, normally subject to restriction, were also showing the signs of improved water conservation on the part of residents, Mr Essenberg said.
"If that situation can continue then this year those communities look likely to avoid restrictions."
Lake Hayes water scheme restrictions
To take effect from Friday are. -
• Hand-held watering only from 6am to noon.
• No irrigation from noon to midnight
• Irrigation using irrigation timers for a maximum of half an hour per connection, between midnight and 6am
