Kaitaia's drought has not eased but careful water conservation is expected to pull the town through its long water-shortage crisis.
Far North District Council asset and infrastructure manager David Penny was optimistic this week that Kaitaia would not run out of water.
Ultra-sonic equipment at the Kauri Dam was clearing
water of a toxic algal bloom so it may be able to be used.
The dam holds enough water to supply Kaitaia for up to 30 days.
Mr Penny praised a 30 per cent reduction in household water use achieved by the town's 5600 residents.
"If we [council and residents] keep working together, we'll get through this," he said.
Fears of Kaitaia running dry were allayed by a Northland Regional Council assurance that the town would always have access to water while the Awanui River was flowing.
- APN