There are fears the region's big water-using businesses, such as the mines and abattoirs, may have to scale back their workforce if the necessary water becomes unavailable.

However, Whitehaven CEO Paul Flynn said the company had no plans to slow down production at any of its mines in the Gunnedah Basin.

"We're working very hard on a number of different water security initiatives, which are well in train, and just to make sure that if this persists for any extended length of time, then we don't have to do anything to modify production in any fashion," Mr Flynn said.

"But no, our underlying assumption is that we'll be able to operate continuously throughout the year in the mode that we would like to operate without any constraints from a water perspective."

MORE WATER PRESSURE STORIES

CFMEU northern NSW mining and energy president Peter Jordan said he "wasn't aware" of any job security concerns in regard to the mining industry's ability to source water.

Mr Jordan said he would "need to look into it further" and vowed to make some inquiries.

The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (AMIEU), said it represented hundreds of workers in Tamworth and was aware Level 5 restrictions were due to come into force soon.

"We are acutely aware of the stress and pressure that conditions of drought can place on local families," a AMIEU spokesperson said.

"It is the view of the AMIEU that any monetary support provided by local, state or federal government should go directly to the workers in these communities.

"Support in the form of grants, water rate reductions or other means should be prioritised to provide genuine and measurable relief to the people in these towns before aid is provided to companies within the region."

A number of big water users have been working with council's drought taskforce, discussing how water availability may impact the region's economy.

Want to have your say? Click here to write a letter to the editor