The request from Central Highlands Water is part of a new plan launched last week that requires the community and water authority to work in partnership in two key areas.

Central Highlands Water chief executive officer Neil Brennan said if there was a repeat of last year's record low rainfall, and nothing was done, the Ballarat and district water supply system would be empty in early 2008.

"Clearly then, doing nothing and hoping for rainfall is not an option," he said.

"That's why we're implementing the following plan to ensure sufficient water for the community until the superpipe is completed, now planned for June next year."

Central Highlands Water is spending about $15 million to bring 5000 megalitres of water to the system this year through numerous projects.

The water authority has asked every business, home and school in Creswick to go beyond stage four water restrictions and reduce daily intake by three buckets, or 150 litres per person per day.

Currently, under stage four, people are using about 180 litres a day.

"These two actions will extend our water resources until the superpipe is operating.

"Any rainfall and run-off into our catchments will be a bonus," Mr Brennan said.

Water meters will be checked monthly to help meet the target.

The Ballarat and district water supply system is currently 12 per cent full.