Both the proposals were finalized this week.

The county's water situation has brightened considerably -- with new hope that the Bear Creek Reservoir could be refilled over the winter. But the plans still could serve as a model for other communities forced to adopt similar conservation measures.

The county's ominous sounding ``Plan F'' was approved by an 8-1 vote Tuesday night. It represents the most restrictive steps Athens-Clarke could take if the water supply is threatened. It is likely one of the most aggressive local water conservation measures in the state.

If the plan is set into action by Mayor Heidi Davison, industries would be required to cut water use by 16 percent below their annual averages. Other businesses would have to cut 16 percent compared to their winter averages -- when water use typically drops.

Residents and government agencies would trim water use by five percent below their annual averages. Hospitals would cut water use by half that percentage. The plan is designed to save a million gallons of water a day.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)