Martin De Ruyter/Stuff Dry Weather Taskforce convener Dennis Bush-King says the team is “keeping a close eye on the Waimea and Upper Motueka zones, and restrictions may be needed soon”. “For now, we urge people to conserve water as much as possible in those areas,” Bush-King said. Water from the Kainui dam was being released into the Wai-iti River since Monday to buffer the river flows. The dam was about 84 per cent full mid week, and it was hoped that would be sufficient for the remainder of the irrigation season. For residents and public organisations on the Dovedale reticulated water supply only, phase C restrictions are scheduled to apply from Monday. Under these restrictions people cannot water the lawns, fill or top up pools/water features or use water for play activities. Gardens can be watered every second day using a handheld hose or timer system. Businesses on the Dovedale reticulated water supply face Phase B restrictions with similar measures.