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Local Businesses Pledge to Conserve Water through ‘My Drop Counts’ Program

We’ve had a wet winter and spring. But a year ago, the situation was far different.

A punishing drought had caused the level of Lake Lanier, our region’s primary source of drinking water, to drop steadily. Outdoor watering restrictions were put in place across the Atlanta region.

Thankfully, soaking rains helped re-fill the lake. But conservation remains critical in the Atlanta region. We don’t know when the next drought will begin, and we’re reliant on small rivers and their reservoirs for our water supply.

That’s why the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, which is staffed by the Atlanta Regional Commission, has launched the My Drop Counts business water conservation campaign. The My Drop Counts business pledge encourages local organizations to join regional efforts to reduce water use and ensure a sustainable future for the Atlanta region.

Cox Enterprises, The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power, SunTrust Bank, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Agnes Scott College are among the leading metro Atlanta organizations pledging to conserve water as part of this new business campaign – either as building owners or as tenants. The campaign works in concert with the individual My Drop Counts campaign, which encourages residents to save water in and around their homes.

Businesses commit to taking specific steps – such as completing audits of water fixtures and developing action plans to replace inefficient fixtures – and can achieve bronze, silver, gold, or platinum status. In addition, their employees will be encouraged to take the My Drop Counts individual pledge to save water at home.

“The tremendous response we’ve had to our new My Drop Counts business water conservation pledge is a clear sign that the region’s business leaders recognize that the economic vitality of our community depends on all of us – as individuals and organizations – working together to conserve our critical water resources,” said Charlotte Nash, Chairman of the Metro Water District.

“We’re proud to partner with civic-minded organizations that recognize metro Atlanta must continue to innovate in order to maintain its national leadership in water conservation and stewardship.”

The My Drop Counts business campaign provides a way for corporations, governments, academic institutions and non-profits to take a leading role in protecting the Atlanta region’s water supply through cycles of drought.

“Cox Enterprises is pleased to partner with the Metro Water District and serve as a catalyst to encourage other business leaders, as well as our employees, to join the region’s successful conservation efforts,” said Keith Mask, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Cox Enterprises. “We invite all businesses across the region to join us and take the My Drop Counts business pledge, because every drop counts.”