Macon Water Authority to help enforce anti-litter law in effort to preserve Ocmulgee River

In a move to protect local waterways, some Macon Water Authority (MWA) employees are being granted the authority to issue tickets to individuals caught littering.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – In a move to protect local waterways, some Macon Water Authority (MWA) employees are being granted the authority to issue tickets to individuals caught littering.

The initiative is part of the county’s strengthened anti-litter law passed last year aimed at preventing debris from clogging storm drains.

Sheriff David Davis recently deputized eight of the employees, and four more will join the ranks soon. That means about a dozen MWA employees will be on the lookout for litter lawbreakers. The focus isn’t on revenue, according to MWA leaders, but education the community about proper waste disposal and storm drain maintenance.

“Success looks like no citations,” MWA Executive Director Ron Shipman said, adding a cleaner storm drainage system would signify a win in their efforts to safeguard the Ocmulgee River.

Since stormwater flows directly into the river, the importance of keeping drains clear is extremely important, Shipman said.

He revealed that his office, in collaboration with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, is in the process of determining fines for citations and establishing a timeline for when the newly deputized employees will begin enforcement.