Amid the water crisis facing Mexico, especially Mexico City, capital authorities have reinforced the call to avoid water waste during the traditional Gloria Saturday, a practice that has been prohibited and sanctioned for years. Although for many getting wet on this date is a deep-rooted custom, today it can lead to significant financial fines and even arrest. How much is the fine for wasting water in CDMX? In Mexico City, throwing water in the street — including Gloria Saturday — can cost you between: 100 and 300 Measurement and Update Units (UMA). With the current value of the UMA in 2026, this is approximately equivalent to: Between 11,731 and 35,193 pesos. In the case of commercial establishments or non-domestic users, the sanction can escalate to: 1,000 to 3,000 UMA, i.e., up to more than 351,000 pesos. What does the law say in CDMX? This practice is sanctioned by various local regulations: The Law of the Right to Access, Disposal, and Sanitation of Water establishes the waste of the resource as an offense. The Law of Civic Culture of Mexico City considers these actions as offenses against the urban environment. It's not just a fine: there's also arrest In addition to the economic penalty, authorities can apply other sanctions such as: Arrest of 20 to 36 hours Community service of 10 to 18 hours Tradition vs. water crisis The tightening of sanctions is not accidental. Mexico City is going through a scenario of water stress that has forced authorities to promote a responsible use of water. Therefore, practices like getting wet in the street during Gloria Saturday have ceased to be seen as a simple tradition and have become behaviors that directly affect the resource supply.
