LOBBY groups are calling for Melburnians to feel the same pain as country Victoria, saying it's time for tighter water restrictions.

The Victorian Farmers' Federation has questioned the government's plea for les water to be used, arguing there are "no teeth" to back it up, the HeraldSun reports.

And other lobby groups say the moves should have been made a long time ago.

Premier John Brumby announced this morning that Melbourne is to remain on stage 3A water restrictions, but households will be asked to cut their overall water consumption.

Victorian Farmers' Federation President, Simon Ramsay, said that the scheme was a "noble request", but Melbourne should be on the same restrictions as Geelong and other country areas of Victoria rather than punting on the goodwill of Melburnians.

Under the new scheme, individuals will be asked to limit water use to 155 litres a day; average use is now 165 litres a person a day.

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The scheme - Target 155 - will begin on December 1 and the progress of households will be reported weekly.

"We don't see any reason why Melbourne should not be in the same circumstance," Mr Ramsay said .

"I can't really see why the government has taken this fairly shallow approach to restricting water use given the levels in our storages at the moment.

"It seems to be a noble request to ask people to voluntarily reduce their water usage and they've put some targets in place but it has no teeth and really relies on the goodwill of people."

Mr Ramsay said if the scheme flopped Mr Brumby should enforce stage 4 restrictions across the state.

"Melbourne is ready and able to be able to embrace stage 4 with fairly small effects to industry," he said.

"It is time that Melbourne came into line with many of the cities and small towns across Victoria that are having to restrict their water use under stage 4."

Environment Victoria CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said the scheme was achieveable for most ordinary people, but needed to be monitered so authorities could spot anyone consistently failing to pull their weight.

Read more on The HeraldSun online.