The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (the District) announces its 24th annual Middle School Essay Contest, challenging 6th, 7th and 8th graders from across the 15-county region to write a 300-500 word essay about the importance of wastewater management. Essays are due Oct. 25, 2025. Full guidelines are available on the District’s website. 

Entries will be judged on their creativity, clarity and content. Essays must have complete name and contact information to be considered. A judging committee will be comprised of staff from the Metro Water District, utility partners, and other stakeholders. 

One winner from each of the District’s 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.

For over two decades, the District has hosted the annual essay contest as an education and outreach activity to challenge thousands of middle school students to think critically about the conservation and protection of water resources in the region.

“The Middle School Essay Contest provides a platform to educate young students  on the importance of infrastructure and investment in our water systems,” said Danny Johnson, District Director. “This year’s essay contest is designed to bring awareness to the significance of wastewater management, including the extensive processes water goes through after it leaves our homes and businesses.”

“The knowledge and efforts of this generation will continue to grow the regional commitment to preserving and protecting our local water resources for generations to come.”

The annual essay contest is one of many District initiatives to raise awareness about conservation efforts and the importance of water quality preservation in the metro Atlanta region. Visit My Drop Counts for information, resources and educational activities about the region’s water supplies and planning, and take our Virtual Learning Journey with GPB-TV.