Water consumption in Whakatāne and Ōhope on Tuesday and Wednesday has been at least 10 percent lower than normal, but the Whakatāne District Council advises that further savings will be required to ensure that reservoir storage can be maintained at an adequate level.

Rain on Wednesday and Thursday has increased the flow in the Whakatāne River marginally, but a substantial and sustained increase will be required before the current hose and sprinkler use restrictions can be withdrawn. Residents are reminded that, until further notice, households with even street numbers can only use hoses for garden watering on even days of the month, between 6:00 am and 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Houses with odd street numbers can use hoses for garden watering during the same hours, on odd days of the month.