THE ISSUE: Despite this weekend’s rain, the Southeast’s drought still persists.

OUR OPINION: Work on conserving water is not done yet, as North Carolina is still in a tough situation.

THE SOLUTION: Students must continue their efforts in saving water, doing their part to help the cause.

Rain drenched much of the Southeast this weekend, painting a picture over the area that people may interpret as having a more saturated ground.

Despite the rain, Raleigh and the rest of the region are still in a bad situation.

On Oct. 10, the city estimated we only have 107 days of water left — our water level is still below that.

They’re still lower than the devastating drought of 2002 and Raleigh’s reservoir is still inches away from hitting a record low.

The rain was great for the parched region and it does help the drought situation. But we have to remember that a single rain event will not fix the situation.

Gov. Mike Easley and state officials are not easing up on the rest of North Carolina and their water restrictions, so there’s no reason for students not to follow suit.

The University has already taken several precautions, such as daily checks of water supplies, scaling back cleaning behaviors, revising cooling procedures, as well as many other methods. Let’s not make the situation worse and force administrators to implement heavier restrictions.

Stage 2 water restrictions are in place and students have been working to conserve where they can. Now is not the time to give up.

It’s time to take a hard look at how the athletic fields are being watered. Sure injuries are prevented, but that doesn’t mean watering can’t be scaled back.

Students still need to take a hard look at their everyday routines and think of ways to conserve — washing clothes once per week, watching the faucet and shower head use. Anything you can do can make an impact.

When your faucet is leaking, report it to University Housing. Cut down your shower by a couple of minutes. Don’t use the toilet as a trash can.

If you see University Housing, or school employees misusing water consumption, report them. Everyone needs to be a monitor.

There’s a reason we’re still only at the University’s Stage 2: we can still fix the situation.

If everyone does his or her part, N.C. State can set an example and lead the Triangle’s way in fighting the drought.