Department urges water-wise Spring Day celebrations after reports of wastage and humiliation

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on South Africans to reconsider how they use water during celebrations after reports of wastage and the mistreatment of members of the public during Spring Day on 1 September.

Concerns over water use and dignity

DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said Spring Day festivities drew young people together to welcome the new season, but added that such gatherings should not come at the cost of water resources or a person’s dignity.

“Celebrations should never result in the unnecessary waste of water or come at the expense of another person’s dignity, safety or rights,”

Worry amid ongoing water challenges

The department noted the amount of water used during the celebrations and described the trend as worrying given the country’s ongoing water challenges.

“In a country where communities continue to experience water challenges, deliberately wasting water for entertainment is concerning and highlights the need for a change in how water is valued and used.”

El Niño adds pressure

The DWS warned that anticipated El Niño conditions could make the situation worse by reducing availability and raising temperatures.

“These conditions can place additional pressure on already limited water resources and make responsible water use even more important,”

Reports of humiliation and a call to change celebrations

The department also flagged incidents in which people were reportedly humiliated or intimidated during Spring Day activities and emphasised that no celebration should be used to violate another person’s rights.

“No tradition, social activity, or celebration should be used as an excuse to violate another person’s rights,”

Mavasa urged communities and young people to find alternative ways to mark Spring Day.

“We call on young people and communities to find enjoyable and creative ways of celebrating Spring Day without wasting water or harming others,”

Everyday conservation

The DWS said responsible water use should become routine rather than reactive, warning that government efforts alone would not be enough if water continued to be wasted.

“Government programmes and infrastructure alone cannot secure the country’s water future if water continues to be unnecessarily wasted,”

Date of this report: 4 September 2026.