Thirsty water tank users can get some relief, with Auckland Council putting on extra supplies for those running low on H20.

At least 20,000 people living in west, northwest and northern Auckland have been affected as the lack of decent rainfall in recent weeks has seen tanks dry up.

Three filling stations have been closed across the region due to high demand and low reservoir levels.

MARJORIE COOK/STUFF Auckland Council is allowing desperate water tank users to fill containers with drinking water at four community halls (file photo).

The council announced residents could go to community centres in Helensville, Wellsford, Orewa and Beachlands and fill a container with drinking water.

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Drinking water will be available in Helensville on Friday and Saturday, but only on Saturday in Wellsford, Orewa and Beachlands.

Deputy mayor Bill Cashmore said the council recognised long waits for tankers was causing concerns for rural communities.

He said Auckland Council had provided the "interim solution" to recognise the concerns.

Residents will need to bring their own containers to the four community venues. There is a limit of 20 litres per person, per day for "essential domestic use" in order to help residents until water deliveries can be made.

Andrew Chin, the council's head of water strategy, encouraged residents to keep an eye on their rainwater tanks and plan ahead.

"We know the summers are getting warmer for longer. Rural dwellers need to be aware and place orders early rather than waiting until their situation is critical and putting tanker deliveries under pressure," he said.

"While this situation continues, we would ask rural residents to check in with neighbours and assist and support in any way they can."

In January, 85 million litres of water was supplied through Watercare's 11 tanker filling stations. This was enough to fill 8500 water tankers.

Aucklanders also broke a water record on January 30, using 538 million litres in just one day.

DRINKING WATER WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING SITES:

Helensville Community Centre – 49 Commercial Rd

Open: midday – 7pm Friday, 7am to 7pm Saturday

Facilities: toilets, kitchen, outside taps, car parking

Wellsford Community Centre - 1 Matheson Rd

Open: 7am to 7pm Saturday

Facilities: toilets, kitchen, outside taps, car parking

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board - 50 Centreway Rd, Orewa

Open: 7am to 7pm Saturday

Facilities: outside taps, car parking

Te Puru Community Centre - 954 Whitford Maraetai Rd

Open: 8am to 6pm Saturday

Facilities: toilets, showers, outside taps, car parking.