That gives you an indication of just how bad the drought is across the state.

The scorching summer months are fast approaching and we're already experiencing drier than average conditions and warmer temperatures.

The Bureau of Meteorology's long-range forecast shows no relief in sight. On top of that, the Hunter is using 3 million more litres of water every day than it normally does at this time of the year - and it's not even that hot yet. Meanwhile, farmers are faced with below average soil moisture levels.

There is just 6.4 per cent of water left to use before level 1 water restrictions kick in and modelling shows level 2 restrictions are expected to kick in over summer - the time when our annual water usage is at its highest.

It's a dire situation, and it prompted us to contact Hunter Water and NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey to find out their plan.

Are they chatting about enforcing restrictions before the combined total storage reaches 60 per cent? Neither answered that question.

Is Ms Pavey aware of the storage levels and has Hunter Water been in touch to talk about starting restrictions sooner rather than later? She didn't answer those questions either.

The Mercury pointed out the extra 3 million litres that are being used every day.

Ironically, Ms Pavey issued a statement that was almost an exact replica of a response Hunter Water issued the Mercury a day prior.

The only original statement from Ms Pavey was "while the Hunter isn't on water restrictions, we all need to do our bit to conserve this precious resource."

Hunter Water and Ms Pavey both said "the trigger for level 1 restrictions is 60 per cent storage, which may be reached in late September if dry conditions continue."

They also said "Hunter Water is engaging with its customers and the community to encourage water conservation and ensure that people are prepared if the trigger for restrictions is reached".

And, they said "little things can make a big difference, such as shorter showers, only watering the garden with a trigger nozzle before 10am or after 4pm and waiting for a full load before using the washing machine or dishwasher".

The Mercury raised the similar response with Ms Pavey's office, which agreed to provide more detail this week.

Related reading:

Hunter on path to water restrictions

Could usage drop by 10 or 20 per cent?

Recycled water for households gets the green light

Millions more litres flowing out ... in a bad drought