The Hatfield Award is presented to operators of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism. The award was established in honor of Dr. William D. Hatfield, Superintendent of the Decatur, Illinois Sanitary District, who was President of the Central States Sewage Works Association in 1944-45 and served as President of the Federation in 1958-59.

The award consists of a plaque suitably inscribed with the recipient's name and is presented by a Federation representative at the Member Association annual meeting.

WEF Member Associations select their recipient for the Hatfield Award following the WEF general criteria indicated below:

1. Member of the Water Environment Federation.
2. Documentation of a successful system of reports from the operator to his or her superiors that fulfill the information requirements and provide the operator with a forum for suggestions for improvements.
3. Use of a good public relations program.
4. The nominee should have contributed to the dissemination of information concerning advancements in the field.
5. The size of the membership dictates the frequency with which Member Associations are eligible to make nominations for the award. MA Awards Schedule.