Metro Atlanta has a unique water story. You may know that water keeps metro Atlanta going and growing. It has been an important part of the success of our economy and central to our region’s culture and history, which are some of the many reasons we work so hard to protect our water. In fact, since the creation of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District over 20 years ago, the per capita water use has dropped by more than 30%, thanks in part, to the water conservation efforts of metro area residents, utilities, schools, and businesses.

Together with Georgia Public Broadcasting, the Metro Water District has launched the Georgia Water Virtual Learning Journey. Students can discover Georgia’s water supply, hydrologic cycle, the impact of climate events like floods and droughts, how water effects the state’s economy, how to conserve and protect water resources, and explore careers in the water industry.

For the 2024 Water Essay Contest, we ask middle school students to use the Virtual Learning Journey as an interactive tool
to explore Georgia’s water resources. Learn more about how water has shaped the region and respond to one of the following
essay prompts:

1. Using Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Georgia Water Virtual Learning Journey as a primary source, write about why water
is important to metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

2. Referencing the videos in the Faces of Water section of the Virtual Learning Journey, compare and contrast two careers
in the water industry.

3. Explore the Recreation and Wildlife section of the Virtual Learning Journey. Think about water recreation activities you’ve
participated in or learned about. Write a persuasive essay detailing the importance of water conservation and environmental
protection for maintaining and enjoying water recreation activities.

Middle School Essay Contest Information Flyer

• Essays must be typed. If there are any special circumstances requiring a handwritten
  essay, please contact education@northgeorgiawater.org.
• Each essay must be submitted with an entry form.
• Essays must be each student’s original work. Plagiarized essays will not be
  considered. Essays written using AI or similar programs will not be considered.
• All essays must be received no later than: October 18, 2024
• Essays must be submitted online at using the form below. If
  there are any special circumstances requiring essays be submitted by mail, please contact education@northgeorgiawater.org.

Read Middle School Essay Contest Guidelines

Entries will be judged on their creativity, clarity and content. Essays without complete name and contact information will be disqualified. A judging committee will be comprised of staff from the Metro Water District, utility partners, and Georgia Project WET. 

Review Judging Rubric.

One winner from each of the 15 counties as well as the City of Atlanta will receive $100. The District-wide winner will be selected from among the county and city winners to receive an additional $400 for a total prize of $500.