NI Water is due to hold discussions with the Department for Infrastructure tomorrow amid warnings that a hosepipe ban could be introduced.
It comes amid appeals for people to reduce their water use or risk running dry.
NI Water has taken advertisements out in newspapers in the coming days in a bid to highlight the message.
Des Nevin from NI Water said the adverts would inform the public of a hosepipe ban if demand for water did not drop.
He said if demand continues to outstrip to supply "their hand will be forced".
"We hope we don’t have to. We have to give two days’ notice prior to any ban," he told Radio Ulster’s Nolan show.
"All we are doing is being prepared."
NI Water has said that in recent days that demand for water is outstripping supply due to the continuing warm weather.
Around 730 million litres of water has been pumped into the system over the last few days - an increase from the normal distribution input of 580 million litres per day.
Mr Nevin said water levels in impounding reservoirs, which hold treated water, are declining in "a number of areas". Tankers are moving water into areas that are facing the biggest supply shortage.
"Unnecessary use of water is using a sprinkler, washing your car, filling large paddling pools, simple things like that which are not necessary at this time," he said.
"We need to ensure our customers have water to wash their hands and to make sure they have basic hygiene needs.
"Especially in the situation we find ourselves in the pandemic."
Mr Nevin added: "We have ads on 'please act now to save water', it is a strong message to customers to save water.
"If they don’t listen we have the option to use the hosepipe ban ad."
NI Water will today meet with Department for Infrastructure officials to discuss the shortages.
"Our concern at the minute is about our ability to treat the raw water through our treatment works and get it out through our distribution system," said Mr Nevin.
"At the minute they're absolutely maxxed out."
