The severe water restrictions kicked in across Port Macquarie-Hastings on Tuesday, January 28 for households and will come into force on February 25 for commercial users.

All outdoor residential use of drinking water is banned under level four restrictions and commercial operators will be limited to critical use only.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council group manager infrastructure operations Terry Randall said every litre of water saved today was a litre of water for tomorrow.

Mr Randall acknowledged the significant impact of the level four water restrictions but encouraged people to stick to the rules.

He also urged people to conserve water inside and encourage their family, friends and colleagues to do the same.

"It's our water supply and it really needs the whole community's effort in this space to reduce consumption," Mr Randall said.

The combined level of Port Macquarie and Cowarra dams is 37.9 per cent.

Water saving measures inside the home range from shorter showers to turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and only using the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Tips to keep the garden alive include using water collected in buckets while you shower and installing a greywater hose to run from the washing machine to the garden or lawn.

Businesses should play their part to conserve water inside at all times too.

Residential water restrictions apply to businesses which do not rely on water to produce an income.

A commercial user is a registered business which relies on the use of water as part of its business activities to produce an income.

Mr Randall said the council continued to encourage community members to keep up the good work and look at any water conservation opportunity in the workplace, at home and across all facets of their lifestyle.

"I think the community is already doing a fantastic job in this space," he said.

"It's just to focus a little bit more attention can make a huge difference."

A number of frequently asked questions, fact sheets, water saving tips and a water savings action plan are available through the council's website.

There will be an increased presence with council rangers monitoring for breaches of water restrictions and penalties apply.

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