East Granby Issues Heads-Up Before Senior Water Wars Start

EAST GRANBY, CT — East Granby officials are warning residents that a familiar high school senior game will soon be underway, and they say it can sometimes cause confusion or spark safety concerns.

In a public notice, the Town of East Granby said the annual activity, often known as “Water Wars” or “Senior Assassins,” is scheduled to begin Monday, April 27, and is expected to last about two weeks.

The game typically involves high school seniors using water guns to try to eliminate one another. Town officials said the activity often plays out at homes, near vehicles, at social gatherings and in other public places.

While the game is not endorsed by East Granby Schools or the town, officials said they wanted to alert the public because of the nature and scale of the activity.

According to the town, students usually use brightly colored toy water pistols. But officials said there have been past instances in which participants used water guns that looked like real firearms.

Town officials also said the game’s ambush-style tactics can resemble criminal behavior, creating challenges for law enforcement and leading residents to believe a real crime may be happening.

Because of those concerns, officials urged parents to speak with students about playing safely.

The town said participants should avoid speeding or engaging in vehicle chases, obstructing traffic, wearing dark or camouflage clothing, using water guns that resemble real firearms, and disrupting businesses or other residents.

Officials said their priority is protecting the health and safety of the community during the game period.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the East Granby Resident Trooper’s Office at 860-653-5385.