Week after week, the dry times stayed with us, adding up to be the worst drought on record for the region and the state.

Just last week, on Tuesday, the drought finally eased.

Part of the Triangle -- Wake County and sections east of it -- became just "abnormally dry" -- at least for a little while.

Even before the weather experts dropped the drought designation for many of us, things had gotten better.

Spring rains filled the lakes and water supplies. Folks could wash their cars and water their lawns again.

But what if the rain had not come? Can you imagine the fix we would be in now? And with summer approaching, how long will it be before we're in drought times again?

We'd like your help for our next citizenQ section in exploring what lessons we have learned over the last year. Write to us and tell us:

* What lessons have we learned from the drought? Has it permanently changed how we think of water and how we use it?

* What do you expect leaders in the Triangle to do to make sure we don't get in this fix again?

* Examples of how we use water -- in your neighborhood or community -- that don't make sense.

* What questions you want answered about water issues in the Triangle.

We'll use your suggestions, examples of bad water policy and questions in the upcoming report, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.

Send them via e-mail to Q@newsobserver.com or mail them to Q editor, The News & Observer, 215 S. McDowell St., Raleigh, NC 27601. Include contact information, tell us about yourself and, if possible, include a photo.

Your deadline: Friday, May 9.