ATLANTA -- Georgia officials lifted the statewide watering ban Wednesday, declaring the drought over.

Dr. Carol Couch, head of the state Environmental Protection Division, lifted the watering ban, effective immediately.

"This drought has ended," Couch said. "Our water supplies are flush. Our rivers and streams have rebounded."

Residents will be able to water their lawns and wash their cars on an odd-even basis. Residents of homes with even numbered addresses will be able to water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, residents of homes with odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Watering on Friday is still banned. All time restrictions were lifted.

The restrictions were put in place in the midst of a drought that gripped the Southeast in late 2007.

Heavy rainfall in recent months has helped Georgia and the rest of the Southeast emerge from the worst drought categories. Just a year ago, more than 40 percent of the region was mired in drought. The state's climatologist said Wednesday that Georgia has seen the second wettest spring in 115 years.

Gov. Sonny Perdue is set to discuss the drought at a news conference at the governor's mansion at 1 p.m.