The Southland District Council (SDC) is to impose a ban on the use of urban water sprinklers, and similar systems, from midday tomorrow (24 Dec), following the district's move to level 2 water restrictions.

Hand-held watering will only be allowed between 7pm and 7am and hoses must not be left unattended or on overnight.

Water carriers will also not be immune to restrictions with flow restrictions now to be applied.

SDC said everyone needs to be aware of increased demand on water supply systems over the summer and there is a need to work together to avoid moving to higher water restriction levels .