With Level 2 water restrictions set to begin in January, Hunter Water is looking at its options.
One such option involves exploring an ancient river bed to see whether it could become a new water source.
The utility's investigation into the so-called "Hunter Paleochannel" forms part of its Lower Hunter Water Plan review.
The ancient river lies 70 metres underground. It offers hope of a new drinking water supply - the first in more than half a century.
When the Level 2 restrictions kick in, it'll be the first time they've been in place since the 1980s drought.
Level 1 restrictions - which began in September - were the first water restrictions in the Hunter in a quarter of a century.
Under Level 2 water restrictions, outdoor watering is limited to 15 minutes every second day. Vehicles and buildings can only be washed with a bucket. Showers are limited to four minutes.
Level 1 restrictions banned sprinklers and hosing paths and driveways.
As residents get used to the reality of water restrictions, Grahamstown Dam is sitting at about 57 per cent capacity. Tomago Sandbeds are about 60 per cent full.
But the Lower Hunter's dams are falling quite rapidly - we're losing about one per cent of water a week. The lack of rain and high evaporation is taking its toll as the drought continues.
The prospect of a new water source - this ancient channel - offers some hope.
It's just one measure being considered in a review of the Lower Hunter Water Plan.
This plan, which was released in 2014, had a focus on being prepared for drought.
The desalination plant at Belmont is another measure being taken. It's been on public exhibition on the NSW Department of Planning's website since late November. The exhibition period ends on Thursday.
The $87 million desalination plant would be capable of making 15 million litres of fresh water a day from seawater.
It could provide 10 per cent of the Lower Hunter's water needs during Level 3 water restrictions.
Recycled water, rainwater tanks and stormwater harvesting are other measures that can make a difference. A concept called "integrated water cycle management" also makes a lot of sense. It involves households having access to different water supplies for different things.
For example, rainwater tanks or recycled water could be used for non-drinking purposes. So-called "grey water" from washing machines, showers, baths and basins would be re-used.
The Lower Hunter's water supply usually sits between 80 and 100 per cent full, but can fall quickly in a drought. In the last 120 years, the region has experienced severe droughts in the 1900s, 1940s, 1960s, 1980s and now. The planning will continue, but let's hope the drought ends soon.
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