Level of Lanier up 2 feet since April 1

ATLANTA - Lake Lanier apparently holds the key when it comes to a relaxation of outdoor use restrictions in north Georgia.

University of Georgia hydrologist Todd Rassmussen says tells Georgia News Network that while while rainfall south of Atlanta is now above normal for the year "about four or five inches" thanks to springtime rains, many places in north Georgia are still showing a rainfall deficit for the year... "seven inches up in the mountains."

That deficit is why he believes it will still be a while before water restrictions are lifted. Rasmussen notes that Lanier, which supplies water to several areas in and around Atlanta, is still below full pool. The level of Lanier Thursday morning was 1062.75, meaning it is now two feet higher than it was April 1. Full pool is 1071.