North East Water has advised customers water usage increased dramatically in December compared to previous years.

Managing Director Craig Heiner said called for people to reduce their consumption.

"This increased usage puts pressure on our storages and river extractions, which means we're close to reaching restriction trigger points for some towns", Mr Heiner said

"We were originally forecasting we wouldn't need additional water saving measures this year.

"However, under revised outlooks, it's likely that without decent rainfall, several smaller towns will go to stage 1 or 2 restrictions in the coming weeks including Moyhu, Oxley and Whitfield."

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Mr Heiner said residents should not need formal regulations to cut back on water use, particularity outside.

"We appeal to all our customers, no matter where they live, to take action to reduce consumption in these dry conditions," he said.

"Our region is in a better position than other parts of the country and we shouldn't take it for granted as there's a chance that water saving measures will be need for all our towns next summer.

"Things like watering your garden in the heat of the day is a waste of water - and money - as 85% evaporates before it reaches plant roots.

"Our new website www.waterwise.tips has great water saving information and people can also take a look at each town's updated water outlooks and weekly water usage."

Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place across the region which are compulsory water saving measures aimed at reducing consumption.

Under the rules, customers must use a trigger nozzle on hoses, only use watering systems and sprinklers between 6pm and 10am, and never hose concrete paths.

More information on the rules can be found at www.newater.com.au/pwsr.