Otago Regional Council is extending its ban on water being taken from the Taieri River and its tributaries.

It's officially asked the Government to declare a drought in the region, with no sign of any relief from the dry weather.

It says the conditions are even drier than the severe drought in 1999.

The Council says such desperate conditions bring out the best and the worst in people.

It says the majority of farmers are doing the right thing and showing great environmental stewardship, but a few have taken water when they shouldn’t.

Staff will be out and about to ensure compliance.

Concern is also growing about low flows in the Lindis, Cardrona, and Manuherikia rivers as well as South Otago rivers.