A dry season to date has forced Bay of Plenty Regional Council to issue a low lake level notification, with Principal Engineering Surveyor Graeme O'Rourke admitting it's early to be in this position.

'The last low lake levels notification was earlier this year, in January, and that is usually when we'd see low levels during a dry summer,” says Graeme.

Hinehopu Bay. Photo: Supplied.

'But this year we are already seeing levels drop to a very low level following a dry winter and spring.

'What's more, we expect that it will be a long dry summer as we feel the impact of El Nino. These levels may be the new normal well into the new year.”

Lakes and rivers in the region are feeling the impact of the dry weather, with Matahina Dam already operating on low level protocols and Lake Okareka currently at medium levels, but declining rapidly.

This can occasionally affect navigation and access to jetties in some locations. Lower levels also impact lake temperatures as the weather warms and can lead to an increase in algal growth.

'Water quality is a priority for us and we will continue to monitor the lake levels closely,” says Graeme.

'We could do with a significant amount of rain to increase those levels.”