While many homeowners saw their water bills spike this past summer, using a little water sense can help you save.

During “peak water season,” which usually coincides with the high summer months of July, August, and September, we consume three to five times the water we need during the rest of the year.

According to the July Drought Monitor Report, drier than average conditions last winter, and throughout the past year, have pegged Arizona’s long-term drought status at “abnormally dry to severe” throughout the state.

“Water conservation is important even when we are not experiencing drought conditions,” said Herb Guenther, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

“Practicing a low water use lifestyle is a way each citizen can help ensure a long term, sufficient water supply,” added Guenther.

Arizonans are asked to use these water-saving tips to scale back water use this autumn and winter:

• Check for and fix clogged emitters, leaks and broken sprinkler heads in your irrigation system.

• Avoid mid-day irrigation.

• Consider reducing or eliminating large or unused lawn areas.

• When irrigating, avoid puddling, runoff or overspray onto walks and drives.

• Fix leaks – indoor and outdoor.

In addition, the EPA’s WaterSense label is an easy way to identify products that use at least 20 percent less water while ensuring product performance. In 2008, WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, and faucet accessories helped American consumers save more than 9.3 billion gallons of water and realize more than $55 million in savings on water and sewer bills. That is enough water to supply 100,000 average households for a year.

For more ideas on saving water, visit: www.azwater.gov/conservation or www.epa.gov/watersense/water/peak.