Los Angeles is again facing a water crisis. As those reservoirs dwindle, and our water bills tick up, it's important to remember to conserve water. Here are six easy tips on how to save water that will also help you save money on your utility bills.

1. Installing a low-flow shower head is great tip on how to save water

Low-flow shower heads can save you up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute, which adds up quickly when you consider that the average shower lasts 8 minutes. That means you could save 20 gallons of water just by installing a low-flow shower head! Not only will you be doing your part to conserve water, but you'll also see a decrease in your water bill. Win-win! And while you're at it, you can:

2. Cut down on shower time

We all love a good long shower, but did you know that they can use anywhere from 5-25 gallons of water each? If you're looking for ways to save water, cutting down on shower time is a great place to start. Instead of spending 20 minutes in the shower every day, try trimming it down to 10 or even 5 minutes. You might be surprised at how little time you actually need to get clean!

3. Collect rainwater in a rain barrel.

Rain barrels are a great way to collect and store rainwater for later use. You can use the rainwater to water your plants or wash your car, and you'll never have to worry about running out of water on a hot summer day. Plus, rainfall is free so you'll be saving money on your water bill too!

4. Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth.

This one is easy - just turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth and you'll automatically save 4 gallons of water! And since most people brush their teeth twice a day, that's 8 gallons of water saved every day, just by being mindful of when you leave the faucet running.

5. Fix leaky faucets and pipes.

A leaky faucet can waste up to 3 gallons of water per day, so it's definitely worth fixing any leaks as soon as possible. You can usually do this yourself with a little help from YouTube or by calling a plumber if you're not feeling confident. Either way, it's a quick and easy fix that can make a big difference in your water usage (and your utility bill!).

6. Use less water when washing dishes by hand.

If you don't have a dishwasher, don't worry - there are still ways to conserve water when washing dishes by hand. Fill up the sink with soapy water instead of letting the water run the whole time, and rinse your dishes in a separate basin of clean water instead of rinsing them under the running faucet. By following these simple tips, you can easily cut your dishwashing water usage in half!

There are lots of easy ways to save water without making any major changes to your lifestyle. By following some (or all!) of the tips above, you'll be surprised at how much water you can save without even thinking about it! So next time you're outside enjoying the warm weather, remember to keep these tips in mind and do your part to conserve our most precious resource! Los Angeles will thank you.