The Far North District Council says a bout of heavy rain in some parts of the district on Monday will have done little to alleviate the drought there.
Many towns are already subject to strict water restrictions.
Council spokesperson Alison Lees says downpours on Monday afternoon will not do more than provide light relief for some water tanks.
Ms Lees says it will take longer and more frequent downpours to make any real difference to what she describes as a grim situation.
But she says the district seems to have survived the influx of visitors over Easter without the council having to truck in water.
The region has seen little rain for months, forcing water restrictions on many towns. Water tankers are now having to service many areas.
MetService forecaster Alistair Gorman says the long range forecast isn't much more positive.
Ms Lees says the council is now looking ahead at ways to increase the region's preparedness should a similar severe drought strike again.
That includes providing households in small communities with rain water tanks, and tapping into underground water sources.
