Service & Contribution Awards

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

WEF Fellows Program

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The WEF Fellows Program recognizes the professional achievement, stature, and contributions of WEF members to the preservation and enhancement of the global water environment in the practice areas served by WEF.

Nomination period open until February 29.

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Collection Systems Award

This award is presented to an individual for contributions to the advancement of state-of-the-art wastewater collection.

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Emerson Distinguished Service Medal

This award is presented to an individual member of the Water Environment Federation whose significant career contributions to the Federation and the water environment profession merit recognition.

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Engelbrecht International Service Award

This award recognizes sustained and significant contributions to the furtherance and improvement of the international activities of the Water Environment Federation.

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Outstanding Young Water Environment Professional Award

This award is presented for significant contributions to the Water Environment Federation and to the wastewater collection and treatment sector.

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WEF Mentorship Award

This award acknowledges those WEF members who have had a significant impact on the professional and personal development of one or more water quality professionals, including providing personal, social, and intellectual support.

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Wesley Eckenfelder Industrial Water Quality Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizes and honors an individual who has made substantial and measurable engineering, scientific, and/or operations contributions to the management of industrial waste related to the improvement of water quality.

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Individual Accomplishments

Camp Applied Research Award

This award recognizes a WEF member who demonstrates a unique application of basic research or fundamental principles through the design or development of a wastewater collection or treatment system.

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Morgan Operational Solutions Award

This award recognizes valuable contributions to the in-facility study and solution of operational problems.

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Ralph Fuhrman Medal

This medal recognizes extraordinary collaboration among academicians and practitioners. The nomination must include at least one academician and at least one practitioner.

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Public Officials Award

This award is presented to an elected or appointed public official that has made a documented, significant contribution in the areas of clean water legislation, public policy, government service, or another area of public prominence that resulted in improvements to the water environment.

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Schroepfer Innovative Facility Design Medal

This medal recognizes excellence in conceiving and directing the design of a project to achieve substantial cost savings or economic benefit while achieving environmental objectives.

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Water Heroes Award

The purpose of the Water Heroes program is to recognize individuals or municipalities who performed duties above and beyond the usual call of duty during an emergency situation to continue to protect the public and the environment.

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WEF Safety Award

This award recognizes entities that adopt and actively share effective safety programs in the water environment field for the benefit of all.

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Quarter Century Operator Club

The Quarter Century Operator Club recognizes operators of wastewater treatment facilities for their service and dedication in a difficult and dangerous profession. 

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Awards Granted by Member Associations

These awards are granted by WEF Member Associations and a WEF representative presents them at the Member Association's annual meeting.

Bedell Award

This was established to acknowledge extraordinary personal service to a WEF Member Association.

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Hatfield Award

This award is presented to operators of wastewater treatment facilities for outstanding performance and professionalism.

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Laboratory Analyst Award

Recognizes individuals for outstanding performance, professionalism and contributions to the water quality analysis profession. 

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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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