CONNECTICUT WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION

AWARDS

​Welcome to the Annual Connecticut Water Environment Association (CTWEA) Awards page, where we celebrate excellence and innovation in the realm of wastewater management. Each year, CTWEA proudly recognizes individuals and facilities that demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement in safeguarding our precious water resources. Our awards showcase the dedication and ingenuity of professionals working tirelessly to address the challenges facing our industry.  Join us as we honor the trailblazers shaping the future of water sustainability and stewardship in Connecticut and beyond.

OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP 

SAFETY 
Type: Individual
​Description: The Operations Leadership Award is given to a superintendent, manager, chief operator, shift supervisor or unit leader who exemplifies significant leadership skills such as the ability to guide staff, develop staff talents and successfully manage an efficient and effective unit at the highest level; has promoted teamwork and collaboration across the wastewater field; has worked quietly behind the scenes to improve his or her facility as a whole; and who has consistently done so with a positive attitude. 
Criteria:
  • Demonstrates a high level of initiative, responsibility and resourcefulness within their facility or the wastewater field.
  • Develops trust and credibility through open, respectful communication and provides a sense of purpose, vision and mission for their co-workers and/or staff by investing time and effort in motivating others to higher levels of performance
  • Capacity to form harmonious and influential relationships with peers throughout the wastewater field
  • Manages change effectively through formal and informal leadership
  • Promotes continuing education and training
  • Must be a member of CTWEA
 
This award recognizes those employees who demonstrate an aptitude for and commitment to professional growth and provide leadership within their facility that is impactful, effective, motivational, and consistent.
Awarding Organization:  CTWEA
Deadline: 2/28/26
Type: Individual
Description: The Individual Safety Award is given to an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to safety practices, compliance with regulations, and leadership in creating a safe working environment. This esteemed award recognizes an operator who not only maintains excellent safety records but also actively promotes training and fosters a culture of safety within their organization.

Criteria:
  • Exceptional Commitment to Safety
  • Consistently follows and enforces OSHA and wastewater industry safety standards
  • Identifies hazards proactively and implements corrective measures
  • Compliance with Regulations
  • Demonstrates zero or minimal violations during audits and inspections
  • Leads toolbox talks, safety meetings, and emergency drills
  • Encourages peer-to-peer accountability
  • Excellent Safety Records
  • Documents accident prevention strategies and outcomes
  • Promotion of Training
  • Develops or delivers training programs for new hires and seasoned staff
  • Creates safety manuals, checklists, or visual aids to reinforce best practices
  • Acts as a role model, inspiring colleagues to prioritize safety
  • Integrates safety into daily operations rather than treating it as a separate task
Awarding Organization:  CTWEA
Deadline: 2/28/26

Laboratory Excellence 

Operations Service
Type: Facility
Description: This award signifies the laboratory’s commitment to performing quality testing and overall laboratory practices.
Criteria:
  • Applies the highest standards of quality in day-to-day operations
  • Demonstrates continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing
  • Outstanding efforts in wastewater analyses, including such items as innovative sampling techniques or solutions to a treatment problem
  • Proper laboratory certifications
  • Promotes continuing education and training
  • At least one employee from the facility must have a membership with CTWEA
Award recipients must have demonstrated successful proficiency testing for the previous calendar year and have no substantiated complaints against the laboratory.
Awarding Organization:  CTWEA
Deadline: 2/28/26
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Type: Individual
Description: This award recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the vitality of CTWEA through their efforts in supporting and promoting the programs and mission of the organization.
Criteria:
  • Individual has shown a high level of interest and performance in the wastewater industry, and who has made a significant contribution to the wastewater field and to advancing the goals, mission, publications and programs of the Association
  • Must be a member of CTWEA
Awarding Organization:  CTWEA
Deadline: 2/28/26

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Collection System Operator
Type: Individual
Description: The Collection System Operator Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in maintaining and advancing wastewater collection systems. It highlights operators who go beyond routine duties to improve safety, efficiency, and public health protection.
Criteria:
  • Honors an operator who shows outstanding skill, dedication, and innovation in wastewater collection system operations
  • Promotes organizational leadership, technical improvements, and mentoring within the industry
  • Acknowledges contributions that ensure safe, reliable wastewater transport and prevent environmental hazards
  • Developing or applying new methods, tools, or practices that improve system performance
  • Implementing upgrades or maintenance strategies that enhance reliability and efficiency
  • Promoting workforce development through training programs or knowledge-sharing
  • Demonstrating strong commitment to occupational safety and public protection
  • Exhibiting an understanding of wastewater collection systems and consistently high standards of work
Awarding Organization: CTWEA
Deadline: 2/28/26