Despite recent rain, Australian town grapples with water restrictions

Other parts of eastern Australia have felt relief as torrential rain in the past few weeks doused wildfires and filled reservoirs.

But the tiny township of Murrurundi, one of the driest places in the country, can't seem to catch a break.

The struggling farming community of less than 900 people has seen rain falling in surrounding hills.

But the three weeks of drizzle it has received is barely enough for desperate families, like Sally Roser's, to get by.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MURRURUNDI RESIDENT, SALLY ROSER SAYING:

"Any extra buckets, dishes, whatever I've got laying around I can use to fill up with water, we'll keep filling it up. The kids will rotate bath times, if necessary, if they're not overly dirty. Or if they're really dirty, a quick minute and a half shower. In and out as quick as you can."

Located 300 kilometres north of Sydney, Murrundi was one of the first places in the country to implement the highest level-6 water restrictions during one of the most severe droughts on record.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says it's being driven, in part, by warmer sea-surface temperatures impacting rainfall patterns.

Wendy Jackson, a reverend at St Paul's Anglican Church in Murrurundi, says the rural community's had a torrid time.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MURRURUNDI REVEREND WENDY JACKSON SAYING:

"I did the funeral for a gentleman here a few months ago who just became so depressed and he became physically ill and he just gave up."

Residents here say they feel they're being mocked by Mother Nature.

Now they're just hoping that the heavier rains which have fallen in many other parts of Australia's east will finally head their way.