It would be no surprise if showers were lasting longer and toilets were flushing more frequently across the Triangle, now that springtime rain has filled water reservoirs that had been drained amid drought. But it's also to be expected that cities stay in the leadership role in urging water conservation. When the region's water managers hold a meeting scheduled for today, they should be looking toward steps that would make conservation the standard practice instead of an emergency response when drought applies its painful grip.

In fact, drought conditions, and persistent water shortages, could easily return. Forecasters have North Carolina facing drier-than-normal conditions into the fall. Hydrologists say that full reservoirs have not equated to underground water supplies being replenished.

Yet even if rainfall patterns return to normal tomorrow, the Triangle region can't ignore the reality that torrid population growth over the last two decades has stretched drinking water supplies thinner. It's no coincidence that the region suffered two scary periods of low water supplies in the past decade. It certainly wasn't pleasant for residents to have to think about how they would supply their families if the tap ran dry.

State and local governments don't need to go into finger-wagging mode regarding water use. But they should be prudent. And they need to exert their considerable reach and influence in encouraging wise -- that is, modest -- use of an expensive and necessary-for-life resource.

A switch to tiered water rates is a logical step in that direction, one recently taken by Durham City Council. The new rate structure is intended to encourage residents to limit outdoor water uses and to help pay for increasing and protecting water supplies. Residents will pay one of five rates, ranging from $1.72 to $3.87 per 100 cubic feet of water, depending on usage.

Raleigh, which has the region's largest water system, is considering tiered rates (Cary and the system serving Chapel Hill and Carrboro already use them). The capital city should look at the various models and move promptly toward rates that encourage conservation.