HALL COUNTY, GA — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing water releases from Lake Lanier despite ongoing drought conditions and months of below-normal rainfall.

The Corps had previously kept water releases to a minimum because of the drought, but officials say additional water is now being released to support downstream reservoirs.

“When we say increase, these releases are an additional amount to help with the downstream reservoirs,” said James Hathorn with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Recent rainfall, including heavy rain that prompted flash flood warnings, has not been enough to make up for months of dry weather.

Danny Johnson with the Atlanta Regional Commission says the lack of rainfall last winter prevented Lake Lanier from replenishing its water supply.

“Given that we didn’t receive our typical soaking rains last winter, Lake Lanier was not able to refill,” Johnson said.

Officials are now looking toward a potentially strong El Niño weather pattern that could bring additional rainfall to the region in the coming months.

Hathorn says the effects could begin later this year, although the greatest impact may not be felt until next spring.

“That may start this calendar year in late December, but you see the greatest impact in the spring time of the following year,” Hathorn said.

Johnson says the region is expecting more rainfall this winter than usual, but it remains uncertain how much of that rain will help restore Lake Lanier’s water levels.

“We want to refill that lake, we can’t control where it rains, but we’re going to be watching it that’s for sure,” Johnson said.

In the meantime, Johnson is reminding residents that conserving water remains important throughout the year.

“Our region relies on one of the smallest available water supplies of any region our size, and given that fact it’s just always important to remember that water concentration is important year round,” Johnson said.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Rob Archer contributed to this story.