Conserve, conserve, conserve. That's the message behind predictions of a drought ahead for the Islands and the possibility of restricting water use in parts of the state.

Lower-than-normal rainfall so far this year has left some reservoirs well under capacity and streams struggling for a water break.

The National Weather Service this month classified 99 percent of our state as "abnormally dry," with the problem most acute on the Big Island and Maui.

The lack of rain is, of course, of grave concern to local farmers, some of whom are struggling with mandated water cutbacks.

The forecast doesn't appear to be improving, particularly as we head into the hot summer months.

Firefighters rightly are taking precautions, readying for a busy brushfire season.

But all of us have a role to play here as well. Working together to reduce our personal water use will go a long way toward easing the problem.

So cut back on watering the lawn — and water in the cooler early morning and evening hours. Take shorter showers. And check the plumbing for leaky faucets and toilets, which can be a big drain on the water supply and your pocketbook.

It's time to do what we in Hawai'i do so well — pull together. It's time to conserve, conserve, conserve.