Most Americans want law and order.
When a peaceful protest turns into a riot – storefronts smashed, fires lit, and police under attack – something has to be done. Fast.
And while law enforcement has a toolbox of non-lethal methods, one old-school tool that’s mostly been shelved in the U.S. deserves a second look: water cannons.
Now, I get it. Some folks hear “water cannon” and think of black-and-white photos from the 1960s, with peaceful civil rights protesters being blasted in Birmingham. That image stuck with America, and for good reason.
But today’s reality is very different. We’re talking about violent mobs, not peaceful marches. And it’s time we make a clear distinction.
Riots Aren’t “Mostly Peaceful”
Remember the summer of 2020?
According to Insurance Journal, riots following George Floyd’s death caused over $2 billion in damage, making it the most expensive civil unrest in U.S. history.
Cities like Minneapolis, Portland, and Kenosha were torn apart. Police officers were attacked. Business owners lost everything.
When a crowd crosses the line from protest to violence, law enforcement needs fast, effective ways to regain control.
Right now, they mostly rely on tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and batons. But none of those are perfect.
Tear gas can linger and affect innocent bystanders.
Rubber bullets can cause serious injury – and have even cost people their eyesight.
Pepper spray is close-range, meaning officers have to put themselves in more danger.
And batons? Well, that’s just old-fashioned hand-to-hand combat, which is dangerous for everyone involved.
Why Water Cannons Deserve a Comeback
Water cannons, on the other hand, can push back a violent crowd without permanently harming them.
Think of it like a high-powered fire hose. It can keep rioters at a distance, cool down the situation (literally and figuratively), and restore order quickly.
In countries like Germany and South Korea, police use water cannons regularly to manage crowds. It’s not seen as controversial. It’s just common sense.
In fact, a study by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights noted that when used properly, water cannons can reduce the need for more dangerous weapons.
So why aren’t they used more in America?
Red Tape, Bad Optics, and Fear of Lawsuits
Part of the problem is red tape.
U.S. police departments operate under strict use-of-force policies, often different from city to city.
Water cannons fall into a gray area – some say they’re “too aggressive,” even though tear gas and rubber bullets might actually cause more harm.
Then there’s the fear of lawsuits.
Because water cannons are so powerful, they can cause injuries if misused. But so can every other tool in the crowd-control toolbox.
The key is training and clear rules.
Fire departments manage high-pressure hoses all the time without lawsuits flying left and right. Why can’t police do the same?
And yes, public perception plays a big role. The media loves to show dramatic images, and there’s always a risk that someone will try to turn it into a “racism” issue, regardless of facts.
But we can’t let old images from the 1960s stop us from protecting people in 2025.
What About the Critics?
Critics say water cannons are too “militarized,” too “indiscriminate,” or “look bad on camera.”
But here’s the thing: when a crowd is lighting buildings on fire and throwing bricks at police, maybe the focus shouldn’t be on optics. Maybe the focus should be on stopping the chaos before someone gets killed.
Even some officers support the idea.
In 2017, a former NYPD lieutenant told The New York Times, “It’s time to look at all the options, including water cannons. We’re getting outgunned at some of these protests.”
And while many U.S. departments don’t have water cannons now, that’s a fixable problem. These tools already exist. They’re not banned. They just haven’t been prioritized.
But maybe it’s time they were.
Common Sense Law Enforcement
Let’s be clear: no one is saying water cannons should be the first response to a peaceful protest. But when a protest turns into a violent free-for-all? When lives and property are at risk?
It’s just common sense to have every non-lethal tool available.
Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t have to live in fear because a small group of rioters hijacks a protest.
Police shouldn’t have to choose between retreating or resorting to more dangerous weapons.
Water cannons could give them a safer middle ground.
America needs to stop worrying so much about “how it looks” and start focusing on what works.
If we want safe streets, protected businesses, and fewer injuries on all sides, maybe it’s time to bring back a little water.
