laugh it up, but when someone is told the passport is required, they bring their passport. I'm sure you were just born knowing everything, but not everyone was.
the problem is that officially, people are supposed to carry their passports. They're told exactly that. In certain circumstances, copies are not accepted as well.
However, yes, some of us who are seasoned travelers know that keeping a copy of the main page is sufficient. Folks should not be so judgmental toward the OP for doing what we are told we are supposed to do.
You're not too bright; are you? The passport is already wet. Telling him not to take his passport to a water festival is not an answer to anything. He's trying to find out what to do now that his passport is wet.
Good luck to you. I'm sure you're not the first for whom this has happened and you won't be the last. Hopefully, they can get your straightened out quickly.