Prosecution and fines of up to $20,000 could be handed to Far North residents caught flouting new water restrictions.

There are bans on commercial car washes, waterblasting, filling swimming pools and washing or watering anything around the house with a hose. The bans come into force in Kaitaia today and tomorrow in Opononi and Omapere.

Far North District Council spokesman David Penny says there are tough penalties for people who ignore the bans.

"Members of the community no doubt will have opportunity to call the district council and report on people using water in this way."

Mr Penny says all calls will be treated anonymously.

He is pleased there was a 15 percent drop in water use in Kaitaia over the weekend, but says it is an ever-changing situation which is being monitored daily.

The bans will be in place until there is a major change in the weather pattern. Mr Penny says weather forecasts predict there will not be any decent rain in the Far North until sometime in April.