A Northland community will have to wait years before their water supply is up to scratch.

Water restrictions were imposed in January in South Hokianga and have only just been lifted thanks to last weeks heavy rain.

But Far North District Council New Works Manager James Brooks said residents are in for more restrictions over dry seasons for several more years.

A new supply system can only be built if the Ministry of Health accepts their application for a subsidy to help fund it.

"So once that's been made then we can get into some sort of more detailed design work to implement those final designs," Brooks said.

He claims it could be a longer wait if they don't receive funding from the Ministry of Health.

"We've been looking for alternatives and at the moment we've got a couple of subsidy applications in to try and find alternative sources to supplement those during the drier conditions."

The plans are part of the draft Long Term Plan, but they may be thrown out altogether if the community thinks it'll significantly increase rates.