When level one restrictions were imposed on September 2, MidCoast Council warned that tighter restrictions, possibly level four, may become necessary in October.

Level four would see the banning of all outdoor water use.

However council has decided to introduce level three 'very high water' restrictions from next week.

Very high restrictions will restrict outdoor water use to 10 minutes every second day, using hand-held hoses before 9am or after 4pm.

"We're asking the community to continue to support water restrictions in complying with the new very high measures, which are mandatory," MidCoast Council infrastructure and engineering services director, Rob Scott said.

"The weather forecasts and our predictions of water usage indicate that we may need to increase restrictions even further as we move into a hot and dry summer," Mr Scott said.

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If your house number is an even number, water on the even days of the month; for houses with odd numbers, water on the odd days of the month, and there's no watering at all on the 31st day of any month.

There is now a total ban on all sprinklers and garden irrigation systems and topping up swimming pools.

Mr Scott said residents can use buckets with a trigger hose when washing cars and boats, as part of the 10 minute allocation.

If possible, always wash vehicles and flush boat motor engines on grassed areas - this will help keep your lawn alive, he said.

Outdoor cleaning of driveways, paved areas, windows, walls and roofs can only be undertaken using buckets.

The restrictions apply to households, businesses and public areas.

Council will restrict its watering of parks and public areas also.

Businesses which require outdoor water use will need to contact council to complete a water management plan detailing how they can save as much water as possible.

Visitors over this summer will receive water restrictions messages, with accommodation providers being supported to provide information.

"Businesses will be permitted to continue water use for commercial use, but we are urging them to conserve water wherever possible and to ensure their systems are in working order and do not waste water."

Mr Scott said the community's sustained efforts to conserve water during this winter, and good management of the water supply has allowed council to conserve water to this point.

"We appreciate the high level of co-operation from our community in times of restrictions, and we thank everyone for their efforts to save water now.

"We are facing a very dry summer ahead and we will be relying on everyone to conserve our water supplies and make it through this incredibly dry time."

For more information visit council's website and download a fact sheet.

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