Water storage was in the same position as this time last year with levels just below 70 per cent capacity, despite recent rain.

NSW Minister for Water Melinda Pavey welcomed the recent rain after months of severe drought, but said it had "largely missed our catchment areas and has failed to create enough runoff to refill our dams and groundwater storages".

"Level 1 water restrictions remain in place. It wasn't long ago that the region's dams had reached an almost 40-year low of 52 per cent, triggering the introduction of Level 2 water restrictions," Mrs Pavey said.

"By continuing to save water this winter, we will put ourselves in the best position possible at the start of spring and hopefully avoid the need for more severe water restrictions down the track."

Hunter Water's Emma Berry said the Lower Hunter's efforts to conserve water had been "outstanding since the start of water restrictions last September".

Ms Berry said customers had used almost 20 per cent less than expected.

"Reducing your shower times continues to be one of the most effective ways to save water. Every minute less is a bucket of water saved.

"Other easy ways to save water include using a trigger nozzle to water your garden before 10am and after 4pm, waiting for a full load before doing washing and scraping your dishes instead of rinsing prior to putting them in the dishwater."