If a water pipe were to burst, it could cause flooding and property damage, not to mention immense water waste, if the valve were left open Avoid using the toilet as a trash can for facial tissues, etc. Take shorter showers and turn off the shower while soaping. Refrigerate a bottle of drinking water instead of letting a faucet flow until the water is cold enough to drink Use a dishpan or plug the sink when rinsing fruits and vegetables. This water can then be used to water plants. Add your garbage to the trash instead of putting it down the garbage disposal.
Disposals use a great deal of water and add unnecessary solids to the sewer or septic system.
Wash cars with a pail of soapy water. Use a hose with a trigger nozzle to rinse. Wash cars on the grass. This will water the lawn at the same time. Cover an outdoor pool when not in use.