As you visit Arizona's lakes and reservoirs to enjoy a cool dip in the water, you may notice that the water levels are much lower than they've been in recent memory. This is a reminder that as with most of the western United States, we are experiencing drought.

Because of long-range planning, investment in water supply alternatives and an increase in water conservation technology and education, Phoenix has weathered this drought well and has not resorted to mandatory water use restrictions.

Phoenix has taken actions to reduce water usage by requiring city departments to decrease water consumption by five percent, and by turning off decorative water fountains. We also have reduced irrigation in parks, city golf courses and streetscapes; made changes in water use for dust control; made changes in the cleaning of streets and sidewalks around city buildings and eliminated over-seeding city-controlled turf facilities with winter ryegrass. All of this plus increased rainfall in 2003 resulted in a drop of more than 11 percent in the city's water use.

While Phoenix has an adequate supply of water, the city is asking all residents to reduce their water consumption by five percent. I encourage residents and business owners to review their water use and make changes that will help us avoid water use restrictions should the drought become more severe.

You can start saving water today by following a few, very simple outdoor watering tips:

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at 602- 262-7445 or via e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.