ATLANTA - The continuing drought is forcing officials to consider tightening statewide water restrictions. <br>
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The leadership at the Environmental Protection Division plans to decide by early next week what additional steps, if any, to take. <br>
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Across the northern two-thirds of the state, streams are running at or near record low levels because of lack of rain. <br>
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Nap Caldwell -- the senior state water policy adviser -- said yesterday that water systems in the upper reaches of the drainage basins are at greatest risk of running dry. <br>
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Local water systems have the authority to impose water use restrictions on their own. <br>
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On Wednesday, the city of Monticello -- about 30 miles north of Macon -- banned all outdoor watering because its reservoir is so low. <br>
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Officials in Canton -- in Cherokee County north of Atlanta -- issued a total ban on outdoor watering Tuesday, citing low levels at the Etowah River.
