October 14, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) -- North Georgia's Lake Lanier is officially full.

The massive reservoir on Wednesday peaked above "full pool" of 1,071 feet above sea level on Wednesday for the first time since September 2005.

The lake, which is Atlanta's main water supply, was once more than 20 feet below full pool. And the declining levels prompted worry and concern about the city's drinking water supply.

But replenishing rains helped end the epic drought that gripped much of the Southeast months ago. And recent downpours have sent the lake's level soaring by more than five feet over the last month.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)