The combined storage level of Port Macquarie and Cowarra dams sits at just below 71 per cent. The trigger level for level one water restrictions is 70 per cent.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council acting group manager water and sewer Terry Randall said the council had not been able to pump from the Hastings River since November.

He said the extended dry period over summer had seen a decline in the river levels which had prevented extraction.

Water pumped from the Hastings River is stored in Port Macquarie and Cowarra dams.

Decent rain in needed in the catchment.

Mr Randall said good consistent rain for a couple of weeks, in the order of 20 to 30mm a day in the upper catchment would be ideal, but consistent rain over time was needed to really recharge the catchment.

"That would see an increase in river levels to the point where we could start extracting to put into storage again," Mr Randall said.

He said any rain in the local government area helped with rain on the coastal area great for demand management.

Mr Randall said the community did a fantastic job in conserving water.

He encouraged people to keep up the good work as there were always additional things people could do to save water.

They range from fixing leaking taps to using hoses with automatic cut-off triggers and turning off the tap when you brush your teeth.

"People are conscious of their water usage and there is potential to save some money as well by fixing leaking taps and conserving water around the home, and the community are on board with it already, which is fantastic," Mr Randall said.

Water conservation measures are encouraged at all times to help maintain water storage volumes.

Meanwhile, the council will run a free water trail tour on March 22 to mark World Water Day.

The tour will take in the Koree Island pumping station, Wauchope Water Treatment Plant, Cowarra Dam and the Reclaimed Water Treatment Facility.

Bookings are essential and visit the council's website for details.