SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Georgia Water Coalition released the Clean 13 report today recognizing efforts to protect the state’s water. Individuals, businesses and community leaders from across the state and right here in Savannah were honored for the work they’ve done to make sure residents and wild life have access to clean water.

“Just me as a citizen of Georgia knowing that there are these companies, and people and entities out there who are taking the future of Georgia and it’s water resources very seriously and it’s just inspiring to read these stories,” says Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, the executive director and river keeper at the Coosa River Basin Initiative.

The initiatives being recognized this year include habitat restoration, waste reduction, environmental advocacy and renewable energy support.

Locally, the City of Savannah was recognized for the Aluminum To-Go cup program, spearheaded by City Alderman Nick Palumbo. He says this sustainable swap is helping reduce plastic pollution in our waterways.

“Anything that can be converted to something that’s more sustainable and encourages reusability like an aluminum cup helps protect Georgia’s environment well into the future,” says Nick Palumbo, the district four alderman.

Another local honoree — Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brown is being recognized for her work to diversify the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) workforce. She is the director of the NOAA sponsored programs at Savannah State University (SSU), a historically black university, where she is also an associate professor for the Marine and Environmental Science Department. For over 20 years, through teaching and facilitating the partnership between the NOAA and SSU, she has helped the university become one of the top producers of marine science graduates in the nation.

“I really appreciate the Georgia Water Coalition Clean 13 committee for my selection and the recognition of the work that we’re doing here on the coast and in Savannah. I think it’s organizations like theirs that help build the community of people who are trying to do good,” says Dr. Hoskins-Brown.

The Georgia Water Coalition says the steps being taken by today’s honorees are helping the state preserve it’s water for future generations.

“The goal remains for water in the state of Georgia to remain a public resource,” says Demonbreun-Chapman.

To read more about this year’s honorees, CLICK HERE.