Water planning is the process of using data, information, and stakeholder input to develop current and future strategies designed to protect water resources and use them wisely. In metro Atlanta, the Metro Water District takes an integrated approach to water resources management by establishing strategies for watershed protection, wastewater management, and water supply and conservation. To achieve the greatest impact, the measures included in the Metro Water District's Plan are designed for flexibility, allowing the local governments and utilities responsible for implementation to tailor them to their unique capabilities. We are the only major metropolitan area in the country with more than 100 jurisdictions implementing a long-term comprehensive and integrated water conservation program that is required and enforced.

Water is a precious resource and critical to our safety and vitality. In the Metro Water District, 99 percent of water comes from rivers, streams and reservoirs and we have robust infrastructure to treat and transport this supply to homes and businesses. Water planning is critical to maintain this system and protect the quantity and quality of our supply, especially as our population increases. Through our efforts, we've made water conservation and protection a priority in north Georgia resulting in reducing per capita water use by over 30 percent.

The Metro Water District includes 15 counties and 96 cities within the metro Atlanta region, as well as 5.6 million people and nearly 5,000 square miles. It is the only major metropolitan area in the country with more than 100 jurisdictions implementing a long-term comprehensive water conservation program that is required of local jurisdictions and enforced by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

The Metro Water District was created by the Georgia General Assembly in 2001 to establish policy, create plans and promote intergovernmental coordination of water issues in the region. It coordinates with 10 other regional water planning councils throughout the state that were established in 2008. The other regional water planning councils provide similar coordinated planning efforts for their regions. Because it was created under different circumstances and by separate legislation than the other water planning councils, the Metro Water District's jurisdictions are subject to different requirements and responsibilities than jurisdictions in the other water planning councils. Learn more about Georgia's 10 Regional Water Councils at https://waterplanning.georgia.gov.

The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District was created by the Georgia General Assembly in 2001 to establish policy, create plans and promote intergovernmental coordination of regional water issues. Funding comes from state appropriations and per capita local government dues. Monies are used to develop plans to protect water quality and public water supplies in and downstream of the region.

The Metro Water District is staffed by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Local governments and utilities are responsible for implementing the Plan, and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division enforces the Plan through its audit process. The 26-member Metro Water District Governing Board sets policy and direction. An Executive Committee and Finance Committee serve in an advisory capacity to the Governing Board. A Technical Coordinating Committee made up of water utility professionals from the District's utilities and water authorities provides feedback and expertise on plan requirements focused on stormwater, wastewater, water supply and conversation and education. Members of the six Basin Advisory Councils provide public stakeholder input from a diversity of perspectives from across the region on the development of policy and advise on the development and implementation of policy related to basin-specific issues.

To get involved in the Metro Water District planning process, consider joining a Basin Advisory Council (BAC). The BACs advise on policy and issues specific to each of the six basins represented in the Metro Water District. They are comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders including water professionals, business leaders, environmental advocates and other interested individuals and groups. If you're interested in joining your local BAC, email BAC@northgeorgiawater.org for more information.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay informed of activities and issues within the Metro Water District.

Another way to get involved with the Metro Water District is to participate in our middle school essay contest, high school video contest or calendar photo contest. Learn more.

North Georgia relies on surface water sources for 99 percent of its water supply. The Metro Water District does not import water from outside its boundaries. It relies on waters flowing through its six river basins: Chattahoochee, Etowah (sub-basin of the Coosa), Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Tallapoosa. Because the area has variable rainfall, no natural lakes and relatively small water supply where these rivers begin, we must rely on man-made reservoirs to store water during rainy periods to use during dry times and drought. We work to conserve these precious resources to meet the needs of metro Atlanta and downstream.

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While groundwater is not readily available and river flows in our area are small, historically the Metro Water District has had adequate rainfall to support our current and future needs. Variable precipitation is managed through the use of reservoirs which provide storage during rainy periods and relief during times of drought. Combining best water management practices, conservation efforts amongst our residents, along with adequate reservoir storage, the Metro Water District's Water Resources Management Plan anticipates the region will have sufficient water supplies for today and throughout our planning horizon.

Learn more about our latest regional water stats.

There is plenty of supply within our region to meet our current and future needs. Sources identified to meet demand through 2050 rely on the six river basins in the Metro Water District: Chattahoochee, Etowah (sub-basin of the Coosa), Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Tallapoosa. Through its planning process, the Metro Water District determines the most cost effective supply sources with the lowest environmental impact. Supply source evaluation criteria include:

• Maximizing the use of existing sources and facilities
• Minimizing interbasin transfers and maximizing basin self-sufficiency
• Maximizing reuse opportunities
• Continuing to protect water quality
• Using advanced treatment technologies

Additionally, the Metro Water District works with local, regional and state governments, as well as water utilities and a host of stakeholders to promote some of the most aggressive water conservation efforts in the country.

The Metro Water District’s Water Resources Management Plan details strategies and recommendations for effective water supply management and conservation. It includes the specific tasks and milestones for implementing these recommendations for both local governments as well as state and regional agencies. Among the conservation measures outlined in the plan are strategies for conservation pricing whereby water users pay higher rates as their water use increases, residential and commercial water audits, replacement of inefficient toilets, and education programs. Additionally, the Metro Water District promotes improvements in water quality and reduced water use through our public outreach program, My Drop Counts. Through these efforts, thousands of residents, businesses and governments have:

• Committed to conserve and protect through the "I'm In" pledge;
• Replaced an inefficient toilet with a high efficiency model through the toilet rebate program;
• Learned ways to conserve water and prevent pollution in their home, business and community.

We use less water now than we did in 2001 when the Metro Water District was created, despite a population increase of 1.3 million people. This is due in large part to the conservation and efficiency efforts of our water utilities and improved conservation habits of people at home. 

The simplest way to get involved is to make water conservation a priority. You can join other individuals, businesses and government agencies in pledging your commitment to water conservation through the My Drop Counts campaign. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed of activities and issues within the Metro Water District.

Customers in the Metropolitan North Georgia area may be eligible for a rebate by replacing their older, less efficient toilets with an approved Ultra High Efficiency Toilet. Through this effort, more than 150,000 toilets have been replaced with low-flow models, saving more than 2.4 million gallons of water per day. There is a limit of two toilet rebates per household. To qualify for a rebate, your home must have been built in 1993 or before and you must purchase a toilet on the approved toilet list. Only approved WaterSense labeled toilets using 1.1 gallons per flush or less will qualify for a rebate. Learn more about the program and apply online on the Toilet Rebate page. Learn more about the program and apply online on the Toilet Rebate page.

The Metro Water District's Water Resources Management Plan details aggressive strategies and recommendations for effective watershed and wastewater management. The Plan includes specific tasks and milestones for implementation by local governments in order to protect the water bodies in and downstream of our region. Within the Plan are three model ordinances required of all local communities as well as regional and state policy recommendations. Additional measures to be implemented by cities and countries within the Metro Water District cover watershed planning and conditions assessment, land development, stormwater asset management, pollution prevention and public awareness. Demonstrating a commitment to the Metro Water District’s goals, all local governments within the 15-counties have passed a version of their required ordinances.

In addition to actions implemented by local governments and utilities, the Metro Water District coordinates education and outreach initiatives on stormwater pollution and prevention. Through these efforts, thousands of residents, businesses and governments have:

• Committed to conserve and protect through the "I'm In" pledge;
• Learned ways to conserve water and prevent pollution in their home, business and community.

Customers in the Metropolitan North Georgia area may be eligible for a rebate by replacing their older, less efficient toilets with an approved Ultra High Efficiency Toilet. Through this effort, more than 150,000 toilets have been replaced with low-flow models, saving more than 2.4 million gallons of water per day. There is a limit of two toilet rebates per household. To qualify for a rebate, your home must have been built in 1993 or before and you must purchase a toilet on the approved toilet list. Only approved WaterSense labeled toilets using 1.1 gallons per flush or less will qualify for a rebate. Learn more about the program and apply online on the Toilet Rebate page. Learn more about the program and apply online on the Toilet Rebate page.

Smart Leak Detectors (SLDs) are a smart device that learn your home water usage and can help you quickly detect leaks. The SLD will alert you of any abnormal water usage, which can help you avoid high water bills.

These technologies learn the water use patterns of your home and can quickly notify you of abnormal usage and potential leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed. Some models can even remotely shut off your water. Installing these devices can prevent possible extensive leaks and property damage.

SLDs will alert you of a potential leak immediately, thereby allowing you to act quickly to shut off your water and repair the leak. Acting quickly will minimize the cost of repairs, reduce water bills, and minimize property damage.

There are a variety of types of SLDs, with a range of capabilities. Some of the more advanced SLDs – like the kinds with an automatic water shut-off option – will be on the more expensive side. All SLDs, even the least expensive options, can provide value to your home. On average, an SLD costs between $50-300.

Based on eligibility, you can receive:

• Up to $50 for each SLD costing $50-100*
• Up to $100 for each SLD costing over $100*

*Purchase price before tax.

D-Link, Eve, Fibaro, Flume, Grohe, Honeywell, iSpring, LeakSmart, Orbit, Phyn, Proteus, Ring, Rusco, Samsung, SimpleSENCE, StreamLabs, Vivint, Yoling, and Zircon.

This list continues to grow, so be sure to check back for updates!

Results will be posted on our Race Results page in the week following the event or at https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/103798/#resultSetId-411673;perpage:100

No pets (except service animals) are allowed on the race course or on Chattahoochee Nature Center property.

In-Person Runners: T-Shirts will be distributed to all 5K finishers at the Water Festival located in Ben Brady Pavilion after the race.  Just present your race number at the t-shirt table.

Virtual and Ghost Runners: Your Water Drop Dash t-shirt will be mailed.

No

All runners will receive die-cast finisher medals and placement pins will be given to top overall male & female, top overall masters male & female (40 and over), top 3 male & female in age group brackets awarded after the in-person race. Kids’ Fun Run: All participants will receive awards. Race times will be posted online once everyone has completed the event.

Limited parking will be available at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Access to this parking lot will close no later than 7:00 a.m., or when it becomes full. Participants parked in CNC lot will not be able to exit the lot during the race.

Additional free parking is available at St. Francis Day School – 9375 Willeo Road. Participants parking at St. Francis Day School must walk the ½ mile from the parking area to CNC.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Wednesday, November 1st at 9 AM.

7:00 a.m. – Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup Begins at Ben Brady Pavilion
8:00 a.m. – Water Drop Dash 5K
Fun Run will begin shortly after the 5k (once road is clear from runners)
9:00 a.m. – Awards Ceremony and Post-Race Family Water Festival at Ben Brady Pavilion

5k (in-person and virtual):   $45 / $50 day of race

Fun Run (in-person and virtual): $15 / $20 day of race

Ghost Runner (just mail me the t-shirt):  $40

The race starts and ends at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.  It will be out and back on Willeo Road and Azalea Drive. You can find a map of the race course here.

From 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Willeo Road will be closed from Azalea Drive to the Chattahoochee Nature Center entrance (Inverness neighborhood access will be open- race turns at entrance). Azalea Drive will also be closed during this time from the Willeo Road to entrance of the Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Outdoor Center entrance will be open – race turns at traffic light).

This is a rain or shine event.

All race participants receive free admission to CNC day of race.  Show your race number to receive free CNC admission on race day.

Medals will be available for pick up at the CNC admissions desk during regular business hours for 2 weeks after the race.

Early packet pickup will be the Friday before the race at the Big Peach Running Company Marietta location (1062 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta) from 11AM–6PM.

Race day packet pickup is in the Lakeside Pavilion at the Chattahoochee Nature Center starting at 7AM on 3/16.

Smart Leak Detectors (SLDs) are a smart device that learn your home water usage and can help you quickly detect leaks. The SLD will alert you of any abnormal water usage, which can help you avoid high water bills.

These technologies learn the water use patterns of your home and can quickly notify you of abnormal usage and potential leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed. Some models can even remotely shut off your water. Installing these devices can prevent possible extensive leaks and property damage.

SLDs will alert you of a potential leak immediately, thereby allowing you to act quickly to shut off your water and repair the leak. Acting quickly will minimize the cost of repairs, reduce water bills, and minimize property damage.

There are a variety of types of SLDs, with a range of capabilities. Some of the more advanced SLDs – like the kinds with an automatic water shut-off option – will be on the more expensive side. All SLDs, even the least expensive options, can provide value to your home. On average, an SLD costs between $50-300.

Based on eligibility, you can receive:

• Up to $50 for each SLD costing $50-100*
• Up to $100 for each SLD costing over $100*

*Purchase price before tax.

D-Link, Eve, Fibaro, Flume, Grohe, Honeywell, iSpring, LeakSmart, Orbit, Phyn, Proteus, Ring, Rusco, Samsung, SimpleSENCE, StreamLabs, Vivint, Yoling, and Zircon.

This list continues to grow, so be sure to check back for updates!