The Gisborne Mayor says newspapers will be delivered to all residents in Gisborne today with an urgent conserve water notice.
Internet is down in Tairāwhiti.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz says the region only has enough water to last a day.
Civil Defence says the Gisborne supply can continue only if residents use a quarter of the usual amount of water.
Water should only be used for drinking and hygiene - and not things like dishwashers or washing machines.
Using water outdoors for cleaning up is banned.
Reporter in Gisborne, Kate Green, spoke to Kim Hill via satellite phone.
