Aerial shot of some of Lake Lanier's docks in the midst of 2007 br /drought. (The Associated Press file)

By Associated Press Writer Ray Henry
June 01, 2010, 7:44AM BUFORD, Ga. — Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue is expected to sign new water conservation rules meant to help him reach a deal with Alabama and Florida that will prevent metro Atlanta from losing much of its water. Perdue plans to sign the legislation this morning near Lake Lanier, the reservoir at the heart of the 3-state dispute. The new rules would ban most outdoor watering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. New buildings would need high-efficiency toilets, shower heads and faucets. A federal judge ruled last year that Atlanta has few rights to drinking water from Lake Lanier. The decision gave Georgia, Alabama and Florida until 2012 to reach an agreement. Otherwise, metro Atlanta will see access to its main water source severely curtailed.

Georgia governor to sign conservation measures meant to spur cease-fire in water wars