Awards & Recognition

The Water Environment Federation proudly promotes opportunities to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the water environment profession and the Federation.

Join the ranks of water environment leaders! The 2024 WEF Award submission period is open now. Seize this opportunity to showcase your innovative projects, educational contributions, and outstanding achievements in water management across multiple categories. Get recognized or nominate a colleague for all of your good work. Submit your nominations today to recognize those who create a life free of water challenges.

Award Categories

Service & Contribution Awards

Recognizing the tenure, dedication, and efforts of individuals throughout the water sector

See the Service Awards

Project Awards

Honoring innovation and excellence on specific projects and disciplines within the water sector

See the Project Awards

Education Awards

Recognizing individual and organizational contributions to the pursuit of educational excellence in the water sector

See the Education Awards

Utility Recognition Awards

Honoring utilities that seek to achieve innovative and forward-thinking results to benefit their communities and inspire the water sector

See the Utility Recognition Awards

Join or Renew Your WEF Membership Today

Connect with our community of water professionals who ensure that our local communities have access to clean water that protects public health. Explore our member benefits and find the membership type that’s right for you.

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Operations

From hands-on-training and leadership opportunities, such as Operations Challenge, to online training, such as the Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals series, WEF provides operators with many opportunities to advance on-the-job knowledge and develop their careers.

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Water & Wastewater Treatment

More than 16,000 publicly owned water resource recovery facilities operate in the United States. Skilled engineers and operators work together to ensure new and updated facilities continue to protect public health and the environment.

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Biosolids Resource Recovery

Through biosolids management, solid residue from wastewater treatment is processed to reduce or eliminate pathogens and minimize odors, forming a safe, beneficial agricultural product. Biosolids are carefully monitored and must be used in accordance with regulatory requirements.

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Industrial Water Resources

Industries treat and reuse wastewater and process water as well as provide environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment while reducing costs and maintaining value for their businesses.

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Utility Management

To respond to myriad daily challenges faced by water and wastewater utility leaders, WEF continuously works with its members and partners to develop a variety of management initiatives; resources; and educational, training, and networking opportunities.

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Government & Regulatory Affairs

WEF advocacy activities aim to educate WEF members and the water sector on public policy issues related to water quality and resources and equip them to play a greater role in water policy discussions.

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Collection Systems and Conveyance

The system of underground pipes and maintenance structures that convey wastewater has brought dramatic improvements to public health. Most sewers carry wastes from households and commercial establishments and are referred to as sanitary sewers.

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Stormwater & Watershed Management

Take a comprehensive look at how all water resources, including uplands, drainage basins, wetlands, stormwater, surface water, and groundwater interact.

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Public Health

The water sector and its systems protect public and ecological health. Using the data that can be collected through smart water technologies provides additional insights to address complex public health issues.

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