August is peak water use season, but with a few simple tips from EPA's WaterSense program, homeowners can save water and as much as $110 annually on their water bills, said the agency in a recent press release.

“Peak water use can be expensive, taxes local water systems, and threatens future water supply and quality,” said Peter S. Silva, EPA’s assistant administrator for water. “A few simple changes can help consumers reduce their water bills, and in turn, save them money.”

On average, an American household uses about 260 gallons per day, but this amount climbs to around 1,000 gallons per day during peak water use season with some households using as much as 3,000 gallons a day.

Here are some tips to help reduce water use:

• Water yards only when needed.
• Consider using WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets and faucet accessories, which use at least 20 percent less water and can save $60 per year.
• Water landscapes only when needed. Watering in the very early morning or evening is best.
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes, and scrape dishes instead of rinsing when loading the dishwasher.
• For a summer refreshment, keep a pitcher of water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it is cold.
• Put your favorite handyperson to work fixing leaks around the home, which can waste about 200 gallons per week. Fixing leaks can add up to about $50 in utility bill savings annually.

In 2008 alone, WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, and faucet accessories helped Americans 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.

WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting and enhancing the market for water-efficient products and services.

For more tips and information on WaterSense, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water/peak.htm