Bear Creek Reservoir near full pool

ATHENS - Officials had feared Bear Creek Reservoir in northeast Georgia could run dry by Christmas, but now they say it could reach full pool by Monday.

"The heavier rainfalls have allowed stream flows to increase and have therefore allowed us to refill the reservoir more quickly than anticipated," said Athens-Clarke County Deputy Manager Bob Snipes.

Snipes said recent rains helped the reservoir fill up, but that doesn't mean residents should cut back on conservation.

"Without continuing rainfall, we might have to go back to the reservoir at some point during this winter season," he said.

Bear Creek Reservoir supplies water for Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, and Oconee counties.