From MiAMBIENTE, the message is direct: Carnival, yes, but with a clear head, taking care of water and respecting the rules during the 2026 festivities. There are no exceptions or special permits. Anyone wanting water for Carnival soaking will have to apply for a temporary permit. The process is per cistern, with all paperwork in order: a completed form, vehicle registration, ID or legal representative's documents, a 'Peace and Quiet' certificate from MiAMBIENTE, plus the payment for inspection and the resource usage fee. Everything must be submitted at the regional offices at least five business days before the water extraction. The regional offices will also have control on the streets. MiAMBIENTE has temporarily and regul authorized the extraction of raw surface water at specific points in the country, but only for recreational use during Carnival. This measure applies only to rivers, streams, and bodies of water that have been previously approved after technical evaluations conducted during the dry season. The order, issued through Resolution DM-0028-2026 and already published in the Official Gazette, guarantees sufficient water flow and ensures that water destined for human consumption, the number one priority, is not touched. The authorized points are distributed across Bocas del Toro, Colón, Panama Metro, Panama North, Panama East, Panama West, Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos, Veraguas, Chiriquí, and Darién, and are detailed in the official annexes. There is no discussion when it comes to wells and aquifers. It is totally forbidden to extract water from underground sources for 'culecos' (water fights), even if they are on private property. They can set schedules, keep a count of the water extracted, give official stickers to authorized cisterns, and coordinate where the water is discharged for community benefit, along with local authorities. The resolution warns of fines that can reach up to B/. 2,000, depending on the offense.
