The city of Decatur has lifted water restrictions that had cut lawn watering and forced car washes to haul in water to stay open.

City officials said Thursday that recent rains have raised the level of Lake Decatur to within its normal winter range. The lake provides water to the city and major local employers such as Archer Daniels Midland Inc.

Officials say remaining restrictions could soon be lifted.

The city first imposed restrictions on July 25 as the drought caused the lake level to drop. The tighter restrictions that were lifted Thursday were put in place on Aug. 9

Even with recent rains, the U.S. Drought Monitor says about half of Illinois remains in at least moderate drought.