The summer season hasn't depleted water supplies, as residents smashed goals and used close to the same amount of water per day - on average - as they did during last summer when the city was on Level 5 restrictions.

Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) water sustainability officer Louise Cadell told the Leader it could be put down to a mix of cooler weather and savvy habits.

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"Residents have really stuck to their guns and kept up water conservation practices and messages," she said.

"It was great having a much cooler summer than what we've experienced in the past and with a cool summer comes a lack of evaporative air conditioner use.

"The mixture of rain and cooler days has definitely helped keep that consumption level low."

It's understood evaporative cooler use on scorching days can cause consumption to spike by up to 5ML.

Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal locals who are tapped into the town water supply have a target of 23.5ML per day on Level 1, but have only been using about 18ML per day, on average, during the three summer months.

In the summer of 2019-2020, that figure was closer to 19ML, despite stricter rules.

"We were on Level 5 water restrictions that entire summer so that was really tough conditions for the community with a really hot summer," Ms Cadell said.

She said consumption is expected to drop further as the days get cooler, but there's no excuse to stop saving a drop. A key thing locals are urged to do is service their evaporative air conditioners before shutting them off for the season.

"It's really important you do service and maintain [coolers] going into winter for the hibernation period, so they don't leak and cause havoc for you and waste water," Ms Cadell said.

The lower rate of town water use - and the natural river flow - mean council has been able to continue to source town water from the Peel River and Dungowan Dam, rather than Chaffey Dam.

Patrols are still out and about keeping an eye on outdoor water use, and have "had a chat" to a few locals confused about the rules. No fines were issued this summer, which has been one of the mildest on record.

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