Bendemeer and Manilla will move from the lowest level of restrictions, known as permanent, to level one, while Nundle will move from level one to level two.

Residents of Bendemeer and Manilla must limit their use of water sprinklers and hoses on gardens and lawns to between 6pm and 8pm only.

Nundle residents will not be able to use water sprinklers at any time and will only be permitted to use hand-held hoses with trigger nozzles between 6pm and 8pm.

Washing vehicles will also be restricted in Nundle under the tighter water restrictions. A hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle will only be able to be used for vehicle washing between 6pm and 8pm, although a bucket may be used any time.

Only high-pressure water cleaners may be used to clean hard surfaces, such as concrete paths or paved areas, and pool owners must seek council approval before topping up their pools.

The continued dry spell of weather coupled with last week’s record-breaking high temperatures across the region have forced Tamworth Regional Council to implement the tougher measures, acting water enterprises director Michael Bryant said.

“Rain before Christmas improved the situation but things dried out quickly during the hot spell last week and there was an increase in demand for water across the region,” Mr Bryant said.

“On Monday, flows in the MacDonald River at Bendemeer, Namoi River at Manilla and the Peel River at Nundle dropped below the level which triggers an increase in water restrictions.”

Residents of Bendemeer, Manilla and Nundle will receive a flyer in their usual mail delivery advising them of the introduction of higher level water restrictions.

All other areas of the Tamworth region have the lowest level of restrictions.