Even if this weekend's predicted good rainfalls are received, water restrictions will remain in place.

Along the coast falls of up to 40mm are forecast for today, Friday, January 17, up to 20mm on Saturday and 1-5mm on Sunday.

Further inland, 10-20mm are predicted today and Saturday, while Sunday should receive 1-5mm.

MidCoast Council has indicated that while any rainfall is very welcome, it isn't expected to dramatically change the situation with water restrictions likely to continue through January.

"We are optimistic that if the rain that is predicted eventuates, the upper river reaches may start to flow again by the weekend or early next week," MidCoast Council infrastructure and engineering services director, Rob Scott said.

"If we get some river flow down to Gloucester, we are hopeful we will able to pump some water for the town's supply and adjust the amount of water being trucked in, this will be a cost saving and also reduce the impact of heavy vehicle movements on our roads."

"Any rain will reduce the immediate pressures on our water supply.

"Follow up rainfall over the coming weeks and a general change in the weather patterns will be required before restrictions can be reduced."

Mr Scott said council would watch water quality of any run-off carefully, given the first heavy rain following fires or long dry periods can wash all sorts of things into waterways, resulting in significant impacts.

Level four water restrictions will need to stay in place to conserve available water until river levels rise and water quality is good enough to allow pumping to refill the Bootawa water storage, Mr Scott said.

"We would like to thank the Mid Coast community, and our holiday visitors over this summer, for the big effort everyone has made to comply with restrictions.

"Overall, our water usage figures indicate that everyone - including visitors to our region - have been water conscious over the holidays.

"It's really important that we work hard to minimise the impact of drought on our economy, and keeping our visitors coming to the area has been a key part of that this summer."

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Council also has been working with local rural producers and other high water-use industries to try to support them through the drought.

"It's vital that everyone continues to reduce water use, so we can get the most out of the water we have currently got.

"While we hope the predictions are right and that regular rainfall will return soon to the region, we need to be prepared in case that doesn't occur, and we need to manage with less water."

To keep updated on current water restrictions, the plans for alternate water supply and to monitor your area's daily usage, visit the MidCoast Council water restrictions web page.

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