JOHNATHAN Thurston may have brought the rain for one night, but with lowering river water levels council have no choice but to tighten up the tap.

River water supplies in the Jack Taylor Weir at St George have fallen to 1106ML leaving council no choice but to introduce level 3 water restrictions by the end of September.

Mayor Richard Marsh said council's current river water allocation for St George in Jack Taylor Weir had reached a critical point.

"With the little rain the catchment and works on the Beardmore Dam requiring the dam to be drained we have little choice but to introduce Level 3 restrictions,” Cr Marsh said.

"The level of Jack Taylor Weir is not indicative of the remaining Balonne Shire Council allocation as the weir also stores water for stock and irrigation purposes.

"Forecasts are showing we will have a dry spring so I urge St George residents, schools and businesses to be vigilant in their use of river water.

"Those with automatic watering systems must ensure the hours are updated to avoid an infringement notice and a fine.

"Council will revise restrictions should there be adequate inflow to the dam over the coming months.”

Level 3 restrictions means residents will only be able to water their gardens between the hours of 6-8pm on their allocated watering days.