OAKLAND, Calif., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) proudly recognizes fifteen outstanding organizations for their exceptional contributions to safeguarding California’s water resources. The 96th Annual CWEA Awards Ceremony, held on April 24, 2025, in Palm Springs, Calif., celebrated these champions of innovation and dedication, selected from over 250 applications.

For nearly a century, the CWEA Awards program has set the standard for excellence in California’s water sector, honoring leaders in engineering, wastewater operations, collection systems, laboratory sciences, and pretreatment programs. Award recipients undergo a rigorous application process and are judged by their peers in the water sector, ensuring that only the most deserving are recognized for their dedication to advancing water quality and sustainability.

“These organizations exemplify the outstanding work happening every day to protect and improve our water systems,” said Gilbert Barela, 2024-2025 President of CWEA and Mechanical Systems Superintendent at Jurupa Community Services District. “Their innovative solutions and dedication set the bar high, and we are excited to recognize their contributions to California’s water future.”

For more information about the California Water Environment Awards and to see the full list of award recipients, visit cwea.org.

2025 CWEA AWARDS, ORGANIZATIONAL RECIPIENTS

Collection Systems, Large (Over 500 Miles):
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.

Collection Systems, Medium (250-500 Miles):
City of Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, Calif.

Collection Systems, Small (0-249 Miles):
Leucadia Wastewater District
Carlsbad, Calif.

Plant of the Year, Large (Over 20MGD):
Encina Wastewater Authority
Carlsbad, Calif.

Plant of the Year, Medium (5-20MGD):
Oro Loma Sanitary District
San Lorenzo, Calif.

Plant of the Year, Small (Less than 5MGD):
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Carlsbad, Calif.

Safety Plant of the Year, Small (Less than 25 Employees):
Victorville Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant
Victorville, Calif.

Safety Plant of the Year, Medium (26-75 Employees):
Central Marin Sanitation Agency
San Rafael, Calif.

Safety Plant of the Year, Large (76 Employees or more):
Orange County Sanitation District
Fountain Valley, Calif.

Dr. Jenkins Research Achievement:
Innovative Nutrient Pilot, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.

Engineering Achievement:
The Sterling Natural Resource Center, East Valley Water District
Highland, Calif.

Community Engagement and Outreach: Project of the Year, Large (Over 20 MGD):
Go With the Flow: An Interactive Map and Bicycle Tour Program Exploring Central San’s Collection System, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Martinez, Calif.

Community Engagement and Outreach: Project of the Year, Medium (5-20 MGD):
California Native Plant Seed Library, Vallecitos Water District
San Marcos, Calif.

Community Engagement and Outreach: Project of the Year, Small (Less than 5 MGD):
Nancy Wright Regional Water Reclamation Facility, Mission Springs Water District
Desert Hot Springs, Calif.

Tertiary Treatment Plant of the Year:
Woodard & Curran / Victorville Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant
Victorville, Calif.

About California Water Environment Association (CWEA)The California Water Environment Association is a non-profit, public benefit association of over 10,700 water professionals who work for public agencies and collection systems, engineering firms, and equipment and service suppliers. CWEA members are responsible for cleaning California’s water and returning it safely to the environment. CWEA educates and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information, and promotes sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of our water environment.

Acronym MGD: million gallons per day

High-res award ceremony photos available.

Contact:

Megan Barillo, Communications Manager, CWEA
510.382.7800 x1414 [email protected]

SOURCE California Water Environment Association