Water restrictions in Onemana have now been lifted and also eased to the use of hand-held hoses on alternate days in Pauanui.

Thames-Coromandel District Council also advises that over the next couple of days an assessment of population levels will determine whether restrictions can be eased in other communities.

In Tairua, stream turbidity levels have cleared and back to full production capacity, adds council.

'The main reservoir level is steadily recovering but is currently less than 50 per cent and only recovered 5 per cent last night.”

Tairua reservoir levels are still low due to an inability to treat high turbidity water following recent rain.

'We are now able to treat more water than the daily requirement and full recovery will depend on active water conservation.”

Council is asking Tairua residents to actively conserve water – above and beyond normal conservation practices – potentially until the peak population starts to recede.

In other communities on the Coromandel, a total hose and sprinkler ban is in force in Whangamata and Matatoki, and a sprinkler ban only currently applies to Omahu.

While in Hahei and Matarangi locals are being asked to use hand held hoses on alternate days.

There are currently no water restrictions in place at Thames, Puriri, Coromandel Town and Whitianga but prudent water conservation is encouraged.

To keep up with water restrictions visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz