With extreme drought conditions stretching across the northern third of Georgia and a forecast for a dry summer, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has announced that level four outdoor watering restrictions will remainin place for EPD permitted utilities and local governments in 55 counties. However, the level four restrictions will be lifted in six counties where drought conditions have improved and replaced with level two watering restrictions.

"Winter rain and rising lake levels bring us hope, but citizens should not be fooled into thinking the drought is over," said EPD DirectorCarolA. Couch. "We are inbetter shape than last fall, but we need to continue to manage our water supply to get us through the long hot summer."

The announcement was made today following a meeting of the State Drought Response Committee. A Level Four Drought Response prohibits most types of outdoor water use. However Director Couch said that utilities and local governments in the level four counties that do not rely on Lake Lanier and water releases directly from Buford Dam will be allowed to petitionfor a modified drought response.

"Many local governments have been proactive in making improvements in their water systems," said Director Couch. "As a result,theyare better prepared for drough tand the petition process offers some flexibility in how water is managed at the local level."

Director Couch said a reduction in water releases from lakes Allatoona and Lanier helped raise water levels and she also credited effective water conservation. Under Governor Perdue's directive, most north Georgians reduced their water use byat least 10 percent from November 2007 through March2008. The directive expired on March 30.

An EPD analysis ofsummer water use shows that enforcement of the level four water restrictions combined with voluntary water conservation should achieve a water savings ofat least ten percent, so the state directive is no longer ineffect, said Director Couch.