A Waikato council is desperately trying to find a leak that has left the town of Morrinsville almost without water.

Photo: 123rf.com

The Matamata Piako District Council said supplies were running critically low due to a leak in the main pipe to the reservoir.

On its website the council said all available resources were working to locate the leak but until it was found, it could not give an estimate for when water will be reconnected.

Residents are being asked to use water only for essential health and hygiene - that is drinking and flushing toilets.

It is telling people not to use baths, to avoid using washing machines and dishwashers, and to shower and flush toilets only if absolutely necessary.

All outside watering, and filling of pools, is banned.

The council said the town supply was currently being supplemented by bore water from Fonterra and a Council-owned bore, and it was looking into other solutions.