Waterboys in Atlanta: What They Are and How They Work in the City

If you spend time driving around Atlanta, especially near freeway exits or busy intersections, you may have seen teenagers or young men walking between cars, holding up bottles of water for sale. Locally, these young vendors are commonly called “waterboys” or “water boys.”

This article explains what Waterboys are in Atlanta, why they’re out selling water, common safety and legal concerns, and what local residents and visitors should know.

What Are “Waterboys” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, “Waterboys” refers to mostly teenage boys and young men who sell bottled water to drivers stopped in traffic. They are usually:

• Standing at busy intersections, highway exits, or major streets
• Moving between lanes of stopped cars
• Holding bottled water, sometimes in coolers or bags
• Calling out prices (often $1 per bottle or a similar amount)
• Operating informally, not as part of an official business or charity

You’re most likely to see Waterboys:

• On hot days or during the summer
• Around downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and major highway exits
• Near sports stadiums, concert venues, and large events where traffic slows and crowds gather

Although some people call any young street vendor a “waterboy,” in Atlanta the term usually means youth selling bottled water in the roadway.

Why Do Waterboys Sell Water in Atlanta?

People in Atlanta describe several common reasons why Waterboys are out selling water:

1. Earning Money Quickly

Many Waterboys say they are:

• Trying to make their own money
• Helping support family expenses
• Saving for clothes, shoes, or personal needs
• Looking for income opportunities when other jobs feel out of reach

Because traffic is heavy in many Atlanta areas, especially during rush hour, selling water can bring in cash fairly quickly on a hot day.

2. Limited Youth Job Options

Teens in Atlanta do not always have easy access to:

• Formal part-time jobs
• Reliable transportation to work
• Paid internships or structured youth employment programs

Street vending can feel more straightforward: buy water in bulk, sell it at a markup, and keep the profit.

3. Peer Networks and Neighborhood Culture

In some neighborhoods, Waterboy groups are:

• Made up of friends, cousins, or classmates
• Organized loosely by specific corners or intersections
• Viewed as a common hustle among local teens

Once one group is active and visibly making sales, others may join in or start on nearby corners.

Where You’re Most Likely to See Waterboys in Atlanta

While locations can change, drivers often report encountering Waterboys at or near:

• Highway exits around I-285, I-20, I-75, and I-85
• Busy intersections in or near Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Major roads leading to:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • Popular event venues and concert halls

They usually appear when traffic is stopped or moving slowly, which gives them time to walk between vehicles.

Is Waterboy Activity Legal in Atlanta?

From the city’s perspective, Waterboys are typically unlicensed street vendors operating in the roadway, which raises legal and safety issues.

Key Legal Concerns

Local laws and enforcement may vary over time, but common issues include:

• No vending permit: Most Waterboys do not have an official city vendor license or business permit.
• Traffic safety violations: Walking between moving or stopped cars can violate rules about being in the roadway.
• Sales in unsafe locations: Intersections, highway ramps, and medians are not intended for commerce.

Because of this, Waterboy activity is often discouraged or actively addressed by city officials and law enforcement.

Safety Concerns: For Waterboys and Drivers

Waterboys are part of an ongoing public safety conversation in Atlanta. Concerns come from parents, police, city leaders, drivers, and community groups.

Risks to Waterboys

Selling water in traffic exposes Waterboys to:

• Risk of being hit by a car
• Confrontations with angry or impatient drivers
• Heat exposure or dehydration while standing outside for hours
• Possible robberies or disputes over money and territory

Some incidents in Atlanta have drawn public attention when fights or accidents occurred near busy intersections.

Risks to Drivers

For drivers in Atlanta, Waterboy encounters can create:

• Distraction: Rolling down windows, exchanging money, and talking while the light may be changing
• Sudden braking: Cars may stop unexpectedly if someone appears in front of them
• Pressure or discomfort: Some drivers feel nervous saying no, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas

Because of these risks, many Atlanta officials and safety advocates encourage both Waterboys and drivers to avoid transactions in the roadway.

How the City and Community Are Responding

Over the past few years, Atlanta city leaders, police, and community groups have tried different approaches to the Waterboy issue.

Common responses include:

1. Law Enforcement and Warnings

Atlanta police may:

• Ask Waterboys to leave busy intersections
• Confiscate water being sold illegally
• Issue citations, depending on the situation and local policies at the time

Enforcement can vary by location, time, and current city priorities, but the consistent message is that selling in traffic is unsafe and not permitted.

2. Youth Programs and Alternatives

Some community organizations and youth programs in Atlanta focus on:

• Providing job training or apprenticeship-style programs
• Helping teens access safer, structured work opportunities
• Teaching entrepreneurship in ways that don’t involve working in traffic

If you’re a parent, guardian, or young person in Atlanta looking for safer work options, you can explore:

• City of Atlanta youth employment or recreation programs
• Atlanta Public Schools or local high schools for job-readiness initiatives
• Established nonprofits that offer after-school or summer work programs

If You Encounter Waterboys While Driving in Atlanta

Whether you live in Atlanta or are just visiting, you will probably encounter Waterboys if you drive around the city enough. How you respond is a personal decision, but there are some practical safety tips you can keep in mind.

Safety Tips for Drivers 🚗

• Stay focused on traffic first. Keep your eyes on the road, light changes, and cars around you.
• Avoid sudden stops. Do not slam on your brakes just to make a purchase.
• Secure your vehicle. If you lower your window, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of sight.
• Do not engage if you feel unsafe. You can politely decline, avoid eye contact, or keep your window closed.
• Follow traffic laws. Do not block lanes or hold up traffic to talk or buy water.

Buying vs. Not Buying

Residents and visitors in Atlanta handle this differently:

• Some choose to buy as a way to support entrepreneurial youth.
• Others avoid buying because of safety and legality concerns, or because they do not want to encourage teens to remain in traffic.

If you choose not to buy, you can simply:

• Keep your window up
• Give a quick head shake “no”
• Avoid long conversations in the middle of traffic

How Parents and Guardians in Atlanta May Want to Think About It

If you are a parent or guardian in Atlanta and your child is interested in “hitting the corner” or “selling water,” consider:

• Ask where and with whom. Corners near highways or major intersections are particularly dangerous.
• Talk about risk vs. reward. Daily cash can be appealing, but the safety stakes are high.
• Explore alternatives. Look for:
  • Part-time jobs at grocery stores, restaurants, or local businesses
  • Youth programs through Atlanta Parks and Recreation
  • Community centers and churches that offer summer or after-school activities

Many families in Atlanta are having this same conversation, weighing the desire for independence and income against real safety concerns.

Simple Summary: Key Things to Know About Waterboys in Atlanta

Understanding what Waterboys are in Atlanta helps you make informed decisions on the road, talk openly with young people about work and safety, and navigate the city with better awareness of what’s happening at its busy intersections.