An analysis of state data by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows the region used 15 percent less water from Lake Lanier and the upper Chattahoochee River this July than in July 2007.

This year's drop was 25.5 percent compared to July 2006.

The water saved in metro Atlanta averaged 66 million gallons of water per day. State and local officials credit restrictions on outdoor water use, higher water rates, and individuals and industries cutting back.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the conservation is helping Lake Lanier. Corps officials say they are only releasing enough water from the lake's Buford Dam into the Chattahoochee River to meet the region's needs.

But Lake Lanier is lower than it's ever been in any August.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)