Chattanooga Nonprofit Hosts Annual 'Save Water Soirée' to Celebrate Local Waterways

WaterWays event features local food, music, and honors community members protecting watersheds.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

WaterWays, a Chattanooga-based nonprofit, is hosting its annual 'Save Water Soirée' fundraising event on March 27th at Greenway Farms. The event will celebrate the organization's efforts to empower local communities to protect and restore watersheds in the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean. The evening will feature local cuisine, live music, and the presentation of the 'Big Splash Awards' to recognize individuals and groups making significant contributions to watershed conservation.

Why it matters

Access to clean water is not a given for everyone, as evidenced by the author's personal experience with her sister's neighbors during a recent storm. WaterWays' educational programs and community initiatives aim to teach the next generation about the importance of protecting local waterways and ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the future.

The details

WaterWays was founded in 2004 by Mary Beth Sutton with the goal of empowering communities to safeguard their local watersheds. The organization runs programs like the RainSmart Yards initiative, which helps residents create creek-friendly yards that capture stormwater. WaterWays also brings educational programs to schools, parks, and the broader community, teaching about topics like water quality, aquatic biodiversity, and the water cycle. In addition to the annual Save Water Soirée, WaterWays coordinates regular stream cleanup events and the Tennessee River Rescue, which has collected over 500,000 pounds of trash.

  • The Save Water Soirée will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • WaterWays was founded in 2004 by Mary Beth Sutton.

The players

WaterWays

A nonprofit organization founded in 2004 that empowers communities in the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean to protect and restore local watersheds.

Mary Beth Sutton

The founder of WaterWays, who started the organization in 2004 with the goal of helping communities safeguard their local waterways.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Save Water Soirée will feature the presentation of the 'Big Splash Awards' to honor individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to watershed protection in the Chattanooga region.

The takeaway

WaterWays' educational programs and community initiatives demonstrate how a local nonprofit can empower residents to become active stewards of their local environment, ensuring access to clean water and healthy ecosystems for generations to come.