We are creating a clean water legacy for all.

Georgia Rivers runs the state’s water trails, working to protect our rivers and access to float them. We envision a future where all of Georgia’s waterways are safe to swim, fish and recreate, meet the needs of the natural systems they support, and provide reliable, clean drinking water. We work to keep rivers clean by hosting river cleanups during paddle trips, installing trash traps in waterways to reduce trash and plastic pollution, and monitoring water quality to identify sources of pollution.

In-Stream Trash Traps and Booms

Rain washes litter and trash from parking lots, roadways, and yards into streams, and can take it downstream for miles. Trash traps are designed to stop debris from traveling with the current and consolidate it for easy removal. Local partners empty them on a regular basis, especially following rain events. During a clean-out, the natural debris is allowed to pass downstream; the trash and recyclables are separated out.

Georgia Rivers funds the deployment of In-Stream Trash Traps in communities across the state. Funding is available for 2026 projects.

With questions, email andrew@garivers.org.

Resources:

• Inquiry Form for Interested Applicants
• Proposal Guidance
• Trash Trap Prioritization Model

Paddle Trips and River Cleanups

We promote responsible outdoor recreation at Georgia Rivers, leaving campsites and water trails cleaner than before every paddle trip. Participants are encouraged to collect litter they find while paddling, provided it can fit in their canoe/kayak.

During the week-long Paddle Georgia adventure, we dedicate one day to collecting and hauling out trash from the river. Creative awards are designed to recognize the weirdest, biggest, or funniest piece or garbage on their route!

Water Quality Testing and Analysis

Working with Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, Georgia Rivers incorporates water quality testing into many of our paddle trips. Participants are shown how to collect and preserve samples in addition to analyzing for water quality metrics like pH and ammonia levels.

We also work with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to set the highest possible water quality standards for the state’s water trails.

Resources:

• Georgia Adopt-A-Stream
• “Who to Call List” for water quality concerns