Residents in Hawke's Bay's Kai-rakau have entered a second consecutive month of level 4 water restrictions

Locals are restricted to two minute showers, reduced laundry, and zero non-essential water use, as the town waits for water facilities to fully recover.

The restriction was introduced before mid-December, after months of dry conditions pushed water-supply to critically low levels.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council says restrictions will lift as soon as it's safe, but usage has to drop further and facilities must show consistent recovery.