People in Whakatane are being warned they may have salty tap water again this summer.
Prolonged hot, dry weather last year saw the town's river water intake flooded by the sea.
Unless water is used more sparingly, Whakatane District Council says it will be forced to avoid taking fresh water into the treatment plant at high tide.
It says water production will have to be decreased in coming weeks because of salinity levels.
Three water tankers are on standby and the council says restrictions will be imposed if the situation worsens.
The council says it's vital that people try to use mains water at low tide, when less sea water is available.
