Raleigh, N.C. — In a bid to remind residents that drought problems are not over, Mayor Charles Meeker launched the “Slow the Flow and Save Some for Later” campaign on Thursday.

The latest state and federal assessments show Wake County and others remain in a severe drought.

“Our community is a smart community. Today, we’re using 15 to 20 percent less water than we used this same day last year. People are understanding conservation is important,” Meeker said.

Earlier this month, the city relaxed water restrictions after a significant rainfall in recent weeks replenished reservoirs, but officials wanted this campaign to keep water usage in check.

“What we decided was that instead of talking to people about sacrifice and what you have to give up, we wanted to come at it in a more positive way and talk to people about doing something for the common good,” said Natalie Perkins, of Raleigh-based creative agency Clean Designs Inc.

In the coming months, the city will launch an interactive Web site to give residents a chance to learn about conserving and to contribute suggestions. The city is also planning public service announcements.

Another portion of the campaign would require businesses to go through a certification program.