Macon Water Authority (MWA) Successfully Hosts the 18th Annual Ocmulgee Alive! River Cleanup Event
Company News
Macon, GA – October 22, 2024 – The Macon Water Authority (MWA) and the Macon Water Alliance, in partnership with Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful and Macon-Bibb County Solid Waste, hosted the highly successful 18th Annual Ocmulgee Alive! River cleanup event on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
This year’s event attracted an estimated 190 volunteers who dedicated their morning to preserving the Ocmulgee River across several locations in Macon. Volunteers gathered at sites, including Joe Tamplin Road, Vineville Branch in Riverside Cemetery, Paul Walsh Drive, Morgan Drive near Freedom Park, Chestney Road, and Williamson Road.
Participants collected various types of trash, helping to reduce environmental impact and beautify the area. The items picked up included plastic bottles, paper, plastic bags, and broken pieces of wood, demonstrating the need for ongoing environmental stewardship in our community.
“We are so thankful for the efforts of our volunteers, staff, and sponsors in making this event a success,” said Rachad Hollis, Communications Specialist at MWA. “Their dedication to keeping our waterways clean reflects the community’s commitment to preserving the environment. It’s wonderful to see so many people come together to protect our natural resources and contribute to the health of the Ocmulgee River, which provides our award-winning tap water.”
This event, part of the statewide Rivers Alive campaign sponsored by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), continues to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Georgia’s rivers, lakes, and streams. Ocmulgee Alive! has become a cornerstone of local environmental efforts, contributing to cleaner water sources, including the Ocmulgee River, which supplies raw water for producing Macon’s award-winning tap water.
Sponsors and Participating Organizations included:
- YKK (16th year of support)
- Mr. Chips
- Pactiv
- Kumho Tire
- Riverside Cemetery & Conservancy
- Mercer Environmental Law Group
- Stratford Academy
- Mount de Sales Academy
- USG Water Solutions
Volunteers began their work at 8:30 a.m. after meeting at the Spring Street boat ramp, ready to make a tangible difference in the community.
For more information about the event or to learn how you can participate in future river cleanups, please contact:
Natalie McEver, MWA Supervisor of Environmental Compliance
P: (478) 283-8108 | E: nmcever@maconwater.org
Rachad Hollis, MWA Communications Specialist
P: (478) 464-5600 ext. 6530 | E: rhollis@maconwater.org