(Las Vegas, October 6, 2016) – The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (Metro Water District) was named the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2016 WaterSense Promotional Partner of the Year. The Metro Water District earned this national recognition for innovative conservation programming and close collaboration across our extensive network of partners. The Metro Water District was recognized with the Excellence Award for Outreach and Education during the same event last year.
Each year, the EPA recognizes WaterSense partners for their commitment to promoting water efficiency and strengthening the drought resiliency of communities across the country. More than 1,700 utilities, manufacturers, retailers, builders and organizations partner with WaterSense, a program sponsored by EPA that promotes water-efficient products, homes and services. Only a select few are recognized for their significant program contributions and fewer still are named Promotional Partners of the Year.
“It is particularly gratifying that WaterSense is honoring the Metro Water District’s work as a partner,” said Boyd Austin, Chair of the Metro Water District. “The greatest impact we can have on our community’s water resources will result from working with other organizations that share our focus on water conservation.”
In addition to 16 Water District members that are among the Georgia WaterSense utility or government partners, the District also works closely with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Georgia’s Keep America Beautiful affiliates, University of Georgia Extension, as well as plumbing supply stores and local Community Improvement Districts.
The Metro Water District’s outreach projects include Fix a Leak Week, Home Depot’s Earth Day event, the Water Drop Dash 5K and Water Festival, and the Great Plumbing Fixture Giveaway. One of the most visible events is the Water Drop Dash, which brings together several District utilities, partners, corporate sponsors and nonprofits. More than 500 runners participated in the third annual 5K race, and even more attended the family friendly Water Festival in 2016.
The Water District also participates in other WaterSense events and campaigns, such as Sprinkler Spruce up, and Shower Better. WaterSense has been instrumental in the Atlanta region’s efforts to reduce water use. Since 2001, total water use in the metro Atlanta has fallen by 10 percent, even as the population increased by one million.