AS LESLIE dam fell to just 30% on Tuesday, high level water restrictions came into play yesterday for the Warwick, Yangan, Allora, Dalveen, Pratten, Leyburn and Karara areas.

Wallangarra, supplied by The Soak - currently at 100% of its 22ML capacity - and BeeHive dam (100% of 97ML) and Cusack's dam (65% of 628ML) will remain on permanent water restrictions along with Killarney.

Southern Downs Regional Council Water and Wastewater manager Tendekai Mapeza said high level water restrictions meant residents could not use water sprinklers or fixed irrigation systems.

"The maximum consumption target for this level is 170 litres per person per day," he said.

"These restrictions also mean that residents in odd number or no number properties can hand water outdoors on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and even number properties can hand water on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays for one hour only between 6pm and 7pm.

"It's important to note that people will experience some water pressure reductions over the period that watering is allowed.

"The period 6pm - 7pm is a peak time for current consumption when many are preparing meals and showering."

High level water restrictions have been in place for Stanthorpe since September 1.

Storm King dam (2180ML) has fallen to just 51%.

The next level is extreme which means a maximum consumption target of 140 litres per person per day.

"During the last three months our rainfall has been exceptionally low with forecasters suggesting that there is little prospect of any significant rain for an extended period into summer and the new year," Mr Mepeza said.

"Council can issue fines for breaching water restrictions and we hope that we don't need to issue these," Mr Mapeza said.