19th Annual Ocmulgee Alive! River Cleanup

The Macon Water Authority (MWA) continued its leadership in community environmental stewardship during the 19th Annual Ocmulgee Alive! River Cleanup, held on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

More than 250 registered volunteers joined forces to collect litter and debris from the Ocmulgee River and its tributaries throughout Bibb County. The event, part of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s Rivers Alive program, drew support from local schools, civic groups, and community members—all sharing one goal: keeping Macon’s waterways clean.

“Being able to organize MWA’s annual River Cleanup is by far the most fulfilling aspect of my role here at the Authority,” said Natalie McEver, MWA Environmental Compliance Supervisor. “It is no secret that Macon has a trash issue, but the people of Macon are resilient. Over the course of a few hours, these volunteers made a positive, tangible impact on our community and our waterways.”

Volunteers gathered at the Spring Street Boat Ramp, while others fanned out across cleanup sites throughout the county. The effort reflects MWA’s ongoing commitment to water quality, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

Event Sponsors

The Macon Water Authority extends sincere appreciation to the sponsors who made this year’s event possible, including:

Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, YKK, Macon Water Alliance, USG Water Solutions, Kumho Tire, MR. Chips Inc. and others who continue to support local cleanup and conservation efforts.

The Ocmulgee River, which provides the source for Macon’s award-winning drinking water, remains a symbol of both natural beauty and community pride. Through volunteer efforts like Ocmulgee Alive!, residents are helping ensure that this resource remains clean, safe, and sustainable for generations to come.

For more information about MWA’s environmental initiatives, visit maconwater.org.

Media Contact
Rachad Hollis- Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
Phone: (478) 464-5600
Email: rhollis@maconwater.org