During ceremonies in Atlanta on March 14, Georgia’s leading water protection coalition recognized 13 water heroes during its annual Clean 13 Celebration.

At the event, the Georgia Water Coalition honored individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities that have made significant efforts to protect Georgia’s water and were recognized in the Coalition’s annual Clean 13 report released in September.

“Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, we’ve seen Georgia’s waterways become cleaner and healthier, but there’s still much that needs to be done,” said Gil Rogers, director of the Georgia office of the Southern Environmental Law Center, who served as the emcee for the event “Those recognized in our Clean 13 report are setting new standards to protect, preserve and restore Georgia’s rivers, lakes, streams and coastal waters. Its partners like these that are putting to work the ideas and policies that the Water Coalition and its members promote year round.” 

Retired WSB-TV news anchor John Pruitt served as the honorary chair of the event attended by more than 190 people. The event generated more than $40,000 for Georgia Water Coalition water protection efforts.

Those honored at the event included the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Stakeholders; the cities of Augusta, Savannah and Columbia County; Clayton County Water Authority; Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority; Glynn Environmental Coalition; Interface; Dr. Jenna Jambeck of the University of Georgia; Rep. Jon Burns; Lodge on Little St. Simons Island; Riverview Farms; Southwire; C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park; and the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

• The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Stakeholders received a nod from the GWC

for producing a sustainable water management plan for the river basins that provides a road map for resolving the nearly three-decade-old water dispute between Georgia, Alabama and Florida. 

• Water utilities in Savannah, Augusta and Columbia County were recognized for their financial support of a study that will ultimately restore the health of the river by reconnecting its main channel with bends or “oxbows” and adjacent wetlands.

• The Clayton County Water Authority received recognition for restoring the Flint River by building a new sewage treatment plant that for the first time in some 30 years will return treated wastewater directly to the river. The project will help restore water levels on the upper Flint.

• The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority was honored for efforts to promote water conservation among its customers and improve the efficiency of its network of water lines which has led to a significant reduction in the amount of water it pumps from Lake Allatoona, thus leaving more water in the Etowah River for downstream users.

• The Glynn Environmental Coalition (GEC) was honored for the organization’s nearly 30 years of efforts on behalf of Glynn County communities. GEC aids locals in ensuring that cleanups at four EPA superfund sites in the county protect their health, their property and the environment.

• Interface, one of the world’s largest producers of modular floor coverings, was recognized for its sustainable manufacturing practices. In addition to increasing energy efficiency and reducing waste, the company has invested in massive rainwater harvesting projects at its Georgia facilities to reduce demands on the Chattahoochee River.

• Dr. Jenna Jambeck, an environmental engineering professor at the University of Georgia, won a Clean 13 award, for her research on plastic pollution in oceans. Her work is informing waste management decisions worldwide.

• House Majority Leader Rep. Jon Burns (R-Newington) was recognized for his support of legislation protecting Georgia’s water and land as well as the property rights of all Georgians, including the landmark Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act adopted during the 2018 General Assembly session. 

• The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island received recognition for being a model for sustainable tourism on Georgia’s barrier islands. Aside from preserving the 11,000-acre island as wilderness, the Lodge’s replacement of a wooden bulkhead at its island dock with a “living shoreline” has proven the effectiveness of natural measures to protect the state’s sensitive coastline.

• Riverview Farms in Gordon County was honored for the organic farm’s efforts to protect the Coosawattee River. The farm bordering the river preserves natural buffers along the river and fences cattle and hogs to prevent them from fouling the river. Their organic farming practices further prevent chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers from harming the river.

• Southwire, a world leader in the production of wire and cable based in Carrollton, was recognized for helping protect a local stream and supporting local solar power initiatives. The company’s 5-million gallon stormwater collection system protects nearby Buffalo Creek and its solar investments are helping “Solarize Carrollton.”

• The C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park, managed by the University of Georgia (UGA), won accolades for its work with farmers to encourage them to adopt water efficient irrigation practices that keep more water in Georgia’s rivers for wildlife, recreation and downstream communities.
• The University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources was honored for a groundbreaking dam modification. In July, the school and multiple state and federal partners breached an obsolete century-old dam to reconnect 22 miles of the Middle Oconee River and improve habitat for numerous fish species.

The Georgia Water Coalition is a consortium of more than 250 conservation and environmental organizations, hunting and fishing groups, businesses, and faith-based organizations that have worked to protect Georgia’s water since 2002.