Two of Southland's three councils have now lifted their various water restrictions following rising river and soil moisture levels.

Invercargill City Council (ICC) and Southland District Council (SDC) both lifted their restrictions on Tuesday (21 Mar), leaving just Gore District Council with bans still in place.

ICC Group Manager Infrastructure Erin Moogan said she was pleased to remove water restrictions after such a dry summer and thanked the community for their patience and cooperation.

Southland District Council (SDC) also lifted its sprinkler ban on Tuesday.

In a social media statement SDC said Recent rainfall has eased pressure on the council's water treatment plants and they are now producing enough water to supply consumers.

GDC remains the only council to retain water restrictions, with Gore and Mataura still at level three restrictions.