Georgia Water Use Jumps Slightly

ATLANTA (AP) - Water use in north Georgia jumped slightly after the state relaxed strict outdoor water restrictions that stemmed from the historic drought.

Environmental officials say water use in June rose an average of 1.8 percent compared to the same month the year before. Water use in the 55-county north Georgia area was down 18.4 percent compared to the same month in June 2007.

The state banned virtually all outdoor water use across north Georgia in September 2007 as an epic drought gripped the region. The limits were lifted in June as rainfall levels helped elevate Georgia out of the dry conditions.

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue said the figures “indicate that Georgians have made water conservation part of their daily lives.“