Leave the water running while brushing vs Turn the water off while brushing

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It seems like a tiny thing, but people feel surprisingly strongly about what the faucet does while they brush. One camp turns the water off the moment the toothbrush goes in, because it feels wasteful to let clean water run down the drain for two minutes. The other camp leaves it on, since rinsing the brush and filling a cup is easier without fumbling for the tap, and it is simply how they were raised. Most of the disagreement comes down to habit, convenience, and how much a small, daily bit of water matters to you.

FAQ

Why do people disagree about running the tap while brushing?
Mostly because it is a habit picked up at home growing up. People weigh different things: saving water, convenience, or the feel of a quick rinse. Neither choice feels strange to the person who has always done it.
What are the benefits of turning the water off while brushing?
It avoids letting water run while you are not using it, which appeals to anyone who cares about saving water or keeping bills down. The trade-off is reaching for the tap again each time you need to rinse.
Why do some people prefer to leave the water running?
It makes rinsing the brush and filling a cup quick and easy, with no extra motion in a busy morning routine. For many, it is also just an unthinking habit that has never felt like a problem.

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