The island’s administrator, Eric Hutchinson, has watched the island become increasingly dry over the past two years, and said water security was a critical factor in creating a sustainable future for Norfolk Island.
As residents’ and businesses’ rainwater tanks run dry, the island’s water carters, like Greg Horrocks, have been busily topping up supplies with treated bore water.
"I’m not too sure what’s going to happen [to bore stores] in another six months’ time if we don’t get good rain."
Mr Jauczius assessed the island’s rainfall data, which dates back to 1890, and said there had been an "incredible influx of dry years" over the past 40 years.
There are 248 bores registered with the local council.
Water restrictions cannot be enforced on the island because water is mostly privatised through the use of water tanks, meaning the local council can only make recommendations for residents and visitors to conserve water.
For Mr Horrocks, the prospect of the island running out of water is unimaginable.
Not the only island in drought Neighbouring Lord Howe Island is 890km south-west of Norfolk Island and has also been struggling under drought conditions.
In 2018 Lord Howe Island endured its driest year in 132 years, receiving about 500mm less rainfall than the average.
"It’s certainly a difficult exercise for it to bring all that water as well when it’s usually laden with all of the materials and goods that the island requires," Mr Adams said.