Traditionally, it was believed that such a practice would drive the spirits or mermaids away. Mermaids are associated with water abundance. However, if people do not show them respect, they disappear, and this is believed to bring droughts. No one is allowed to do laundry or wash using soap at the spring as the smell is said to be bad for the spirits. Bathers must not use soap and should not be standing while taking a bath.
People can only use clay pots and water gourds.
The smell of milk and blood is believed to upset the spirits. There are a number of other beliefs that have to do with the colour of clothing that can be worn around the water source, the level of noise allowed, procedures to follow when drawing water, and prohibitions against smoking and fires. Chiefs, headmen and kraal heads were once the custodians of the natural resources, and were charged with ensuring that the rules were followed. Because these roles were eroded during the colonial era, the government passed a Traditional Leaders Act to give chiefs the authority to oversee local management of natural resources. This has strengthened the role of traditional institutions in the management and control of access to natural resources.