UPDATED 10.54am: Irrigation New Zealand says farmers can't afford to pay for new water storage projects on their own.

The lobby group is pushing for more water storage options, following widespread irrigations restrictions due weeks without substantial rainfall.

CEO Andrew Curtis says any new storage project could have a billion dollar price tag, a cost farmers shouldn't face alone.

"Irrigators definitely need to be paying their way in this. We're not asking for a free lunch, but local government plus also the national government has a role to play."

Andrew Curtis says storage would be an inter-generational investment, that would have benefits for decades to come.

However, Ashburton's Mayor says any future water storage projects should be funded on a user pays basis.

Angus McKay sees the need for more storage, but says that shouldn't be funded by ratepayers.

"Where is the risk to lie. Is it to lie with the person that is going to have the first advantage or the third advantage."

Angus McKay says the council can help in other ways, like investigating sites for water storage development.