Northlanders and holidaymakers visiting the region are being urged to conserve water as a dry summer continues

Northland's water supplies will be under strain when tens of thousands of people descend on the region for Anniversary Weekend and Waitangi Day.

Its Regional Council Chairman Geoff Crawford says parts of the Far North and Kaipara districts have become even drier since water restrictions began late last year.

Crawford says some rain was forecast next week but it is unlikely to be enough to replenish the region's shrinking rivers.

Central and southern areas of Northland are the worst affected.