Awards and Achievements Recognition
 
 
Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts The Interactive Multimedia Communicator Award for "National Save for Retirement Week Campaign" 2014
American Academy of Environmental Engineers Excellence in Environmental Engineering Grand Prize for the University Research for Chicago Health, Environmental Exposure, and Recreation Study (CHEERS) 2012
  Excellence in Environmental Engineering Honor Award in Research for the Microbial Risk Assessment for Recreational Use of the Chicago Area Waterways 2010
  Honor Award for the Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration Stations 1995
  Grand Prize Award for Planning the Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration Stations 1989
American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois Special Achievement Water Resources Award for the Wescott Park Stormwater Storage Facility Project in the Village of Northbrook 2017
  Special Achievement Award for the Calumet Isolation Chamber 2010
American Infrastructure Magazine PUBBY Award for Water Project of the Year: Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
American Public Works Association Chicago Metro Chapter Suburban Branch: Public Works Project of the Year Award for the Niles Flood Relief Project 2018
  Project of the Year (Environment, More than $75 Million) for the Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
  Chicago City Branch: Project of the Year in the Environmental $25 to $75 Million Category for the design of the Calumet Central Boiler Facility 2012
  Chicago Metro Chapter: Project of the Year in the Environmental $25 to $75 Million Category for the design of the Calumet Central Boiler Facility 2012
  Chicago Metro Chapter: Public Works Project Excellence Award for the design of the Calumet Central Boiler Facility 2012
  Environmental Project of the Year, Over $10 Million Category, for the Thornton Transitional Reservoir 2003
  Reversal of the Chicago River, one of the "Top Ten Public Works Projects of the Century" 2000
  Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Phase I, one of the "Top Ten Chicago Area Public Works Projects of the 20th Century" 2000
  Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Phase I, Member's Choice for "Most Significant Chicago Area Public Works Projects of the 20th Century" 2000
  The American Public Works Association Award for the District's Innovative Energy Audit and Control Program 1995
  Outstanding Public Works Project of the Year for the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan 1981
American Public Works Association, Chicago Metro Chapter Project of the Year (Environment, More than $75 Million) for the Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
  Public Works Project Excellence Award for the Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
American Council of Engineering Companies - Illinois Chapter Engineering Excellence Merit Award for the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion 2018
American Rivers, Incorporated Scientific or Engineering Breakthrough Award for the Calumet River System Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration Project 1994
American Society of Civil Engineers - Illinois Section Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award, Over $100 Million Category, for the McCook Reservoir 2018
  Project of the Year (Higher than $25 Million) for Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
  Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award, Under $10 Million Category, for the Busse Reservoir South Dam Modification Project 2016
  Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award, Over $25 Million Category, for the Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
  Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Award, Over $5 Million Category, for the Thornton Transitional Reservoir 2003
  District's wastewater treatment system was recognized as representing one of civil engineering's "Monuments of the Millennium" of the 20th century 2000
  Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award for the O'Hare-CUP Reservoir Project 1998
  Public Sector Employer Recognition Award 1996
  Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement received for Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration Project 1994
  Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement received for Tunnel and Reservoir Plan 1986
  Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of Past 100 Years in Illinois for the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan 1986
  Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Mainstream System, Phase I, the "Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of 1985" 1985
  Special Civil Engineering Achievement Award received for the Prairie Plan in Fulton County 1974
American Society of Landscape Architects - Illinois Chapter Merit Award for Planning and Analysis for the Robbins Park Project 2018
Black Contractors United Agency of the Year for Affirmative Action Program 1994
Center for Active Design Excellence Award (Honorable Mention) for the Space to Grow program, a collaboration between the District, Chicago Public School Systems, and the City of Chicago Department of Water Management. Space to Grow was the only submission from Chicago to be recognized. Fellow award recipients span the globe 2014
Chatham Business Association Partner Award 2015
Chicago Federation of Labor - AFL CIO Michael J. Bruton Workplace Safety Award 2001
Chicago Public Schools Certificate of Appreciation for providing outstanding work-based learning experiences for Chicago Public School Career and Technical Education students through participation in the Work-Based Learning Program 2011-2010
Chicago Southland Convention and Visitor Bureau Hospitality Award of Merit for outstanding work on behalf of the Calumet-Sag Trail 2009
Chicago Wilderness and United States Environmental Protection Agency Conservation and Native Landscaping Award for Native Prairie Restorations at the Lemont and North Side Water Reclamation Plants 2007
City of Chicago Best Practices in expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities 2000
Conservation Foundation & DuPage River Coalition Clean Water Award for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2006-2005
  DuPage River Clean Water Award 2002
Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) Public Body of the Year 2015
  Project of the Year - Infrastructure category for constructing the Wet Weather Treatment Facility and Reservoir at the Lemont Water Reclamation Plant 2015
Engineering News Record Construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900 and Tunnel and Reservoir Plan in 1985 named as two of the top 125 engineering projects of the past 125 years 1999
Federation of Women Contractors Outstanding Advocate Award 2016
  Outstanding Program of the Year Award for the MWRD Affirmative Action Program 2012
  Advocacy Award for Affirmative Action Program 2007
Friends of the Chicago River Chicago River Blue Awards, Green Ribbon Award for the Wescott Park Stormwater Storage Facility Project in the Village of Northbrook 2017
  Chicago River Blue Awards, Green Ribbon Award for Disinfection at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant and O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant and Thornton Reservoir 2016
  Chicago River Blue Awards, Silver Ribbon Award for Space to Grow: Greening Chicago Schoolyards 2014
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada Budget document recognized for Distinguished Budget Presentation 2018-1985
Budget document received Special Performance Measures recognition 2016
  Budget document received outstanding in the overall category of Communications Device 2015
  Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the MWRD Retiree Health Care Trust - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Years 2007 through 2017 2017-2007
  Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Years 1975 through 2017 2017-1975
  Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the MWRD Retirement Fund - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Years 1993 through 2017 2017-1993
  Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting 1999,
1996-1993
  Budget document recognized as "Especially Notable" or "Outstanding" in various categories 1998-1988
Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management Flood Reduction Project Award for Floodway Buyouts in the Village of Glenview 2017
  Innovation Project Award for Master Plan Pilot Study: Using Green Infrastructure to Solve Urban Flooding 2017
  Flood Reduction Project Award for Large Project for the Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
  Sustainability Award for the Space to Grow program for the redevelopment of four school properties using a variety of Best Management Practices for creating green space 2014
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Mined Land Reclamation Award in the non-coal category for the McCook Reservoir 2017
  Illinois Mined Land Reclamation Award in the non-coal category for the Thornton Composite Reservoir 2016
Illinois Engineering Council Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award for Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Phase I 2006
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Certificate of Excellence Award for Wastewater Safety for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant 1994, 1983, 1981
  Certificate of Excellence Award for Safety received by various treatment plants 1993-1992
  Certificate of Excellence Award for Wastewater Safety received by various treatment plants 1992-1987
  Letters of Commendation of Excellence on Maintenance, Operation, and Compliance for various treatment plants 1991-1988
  Hanover Park Treatment Plant named Plant of the Year 1988
Illinois Safety Council and Greater Chicago Safety Council Safety and Health Outstanding Safety Performance Award for North Side and Calumet Water Reclamation Plants 2007
  Fleet and Transportation Outstanding Safety Performance Award - District-wide 2007
  Safety and Health Outstanding Safety Performance Award for Calumet and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants 2006
  Safe Driving Award - District-wide, Fulton County Prairie Plan, Main Office Building, Main Office Building Annex, Lockport Powerhouse, John E. Egan, Hanover Park, James C. Kirie, Lemont, North Side, and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants 2005
  Health and Safety Award for North Side Water Reclamation Plant 2005
  Transportation Award for Outstanding Safety Performance - District-wide 2004, 2001
  Health and Safety Award - Fulton County Prairie Plan, James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant, Lawndale Avenue Solids Management Area, Racine Avenue Pumping Station, Main Office Building Annex, Lemont, North Side, and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants 2004
  Outstanding Safety Performance Award 2004
  Health and Safety Award - District-wide, Fulton County Prairie Plan, Lockport Powerhouse, Main Office Building, Main Office Building Annex, John E. Egan, Hanover Park, James C. Kirie, Lemont, and North Side Water Reclamation Plants 2003
  Safety and Health Award for Outstanding Safety Performance 2003-2002
1996-1994
  Outstanding Safety Performance in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for its employees 2002, 2000
Illinois Society of Professional Engineers Chicagoland Excellence in Engineering Project Award, Mechanical Division, for the Calumet Central Boiler Facility 2010
  MWRDGC System deemed one of the "Ten Outstanding Engineering Achievements in Illinois in the Last 100 Years" 1986
  Outstanding Engineering Accomplishment Award for the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan - Phase I System 1985
  Outstanding Engineering Accomplishment Award for Upper Salt Creek Watershed Floodwater Management Plan 1984
Illinois Water Environment Association Mariyana Spyropoulos, President, is the recipient of the Public Official of the Year award. The Public Official of the Year 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 2017
  Best Presentation Award, "Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Programs: SWOT and PEST Evaluations to Ensure Sustainability" 2016
  Debra Shore, Commissioner, is the recipient of the inaugural Public Official of the Year award. The Public Official of the Year 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 2013
  Best Technical Presentation Award: Protozoa as Indicators of Activated Sludge Treatment System Conditions 2010
  Best Technical Presentation Award: Concerns about Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Land Applied Biosolids - Media Hype or Reality? 2008
International Personnel Management Association Award for Excellence - Best personnel department in a medium-sized agency 1995
Interstate Mining Compact Commission Kenes C. Bowling National Mine Reclamation Award for the McCook Reservoir 2017
Lake Michigan Water Analysts Award of Excellence 1995
Metropolitan Chicago Masonry Council "Excellence in Masonry '80" for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant Masonry Design 1981
Metropolitan Planning Council Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning for the Space to Grow Partnership 2018
National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), formerly known as Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 26 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 21 consecutive years of full compliance for Lemont Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 13 consecutive years of full compliance for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 12 consecutive years of full compliance for Terrence J. O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant; and Platinum Award for 10 consecutive years of full compliance for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2017
NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant 2017
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for Stickney Water Reclamation Plant 2017
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 25 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 20 consecutive years of full compliance for Lemont Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 12 consecutive years of full compliance for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 11 consecutive years of full compliance for Terrence J. O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant; and Platinum Award for nine consecutive years of full compliance for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2016
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant 2016
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for Stickney Water Reclamation Plant 2016
  Utility of the Future Today Recognition 2016
NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 24 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 19 consecutive years of full compliance for Lemont Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 11 consecutive years of full compliance for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for ten consecutive years of full compliance for Terrence J. O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant; and Platinum Award for eight consecutive years of full compliance for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2015
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for John E. Egan and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants 2015
  Excellence in Management Platinum Award for excellence in utility management and successful implementation of programs that address the range of management challenges facing public wastewater utilities in today's competitive environment 2014
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 23 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 18 consecutive years of full compliance for Lemont Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for ten consecutive years of full compliance for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for nine consecutive years of full compliance for Terrence J. O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant; and Platinum Award for seven consecutive years of full compliance for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2014
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for John E. Egan and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants 2014
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 22 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 17 consecutive years of full compliance for Lemont Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for nine consecutive years of full compliance for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for eight consecutive years of full compliance for Terrence J. O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant; and Platinum Award for six consecutive years of full compliance for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2013
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for John E. Egan and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants 2013
  Richard Lanyon, former Executive Director, was inducted into the Hall of Fame and became the fifth former District executive in its ranks. The other four are former Director of M&R Dr. Cecil Lue-Hing and former General Superintendents Bart Lynam, Hugh McMillan, and Ben Sosewitz 2013
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 21 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 16 consecutive years of full compliance for Stickney and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants; Platinum Award for eight consecutive years of full compliance for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for seven consecutive years of full compliance for North Side Water Reclamation Plant; and Platinum Award for five consecutive years of full compliance for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2012
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant 2012
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 20 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 15 consecutive years of full compliance for Stickney and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants; Platinum Award for seven consecutive years of full compliance for James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant; and Platinum Award for six consecutive years of full compliance for North Side Water Reclamation Plant 2011
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2011
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant 2011
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 19 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; Platinum Award for 14 consecutive years of full compliance for Stickney and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants; Platinum Award for six consecutive years of full compliance for John E. Egan and James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plants; and Platinum Award for five consecutive years of full compliance for North Side Water Reclamation Plant 2010
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2010
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for Hanover Park and North Side Water Reclamation Plants 2009
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for John E. Egan, James C. Kirie, Stickney, Calumet, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2009
  National Environmental Achievement Award in Public Information and Education - Education Program category for "Mission Possible: Educating People to Promote Beneficial Use of Biosolids" 2008
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for John E. Egan, Hanover Park, James C. Kirie, and North Side Water Reclamation Plants 2008
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for 17 consecutive years of full compliance for Calumet Water Reclamation Plant and Platinum Award for 12 consecutive years of full compliance for Stickney and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2008
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant 2007
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for Stickney, Calumet, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2007
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for James C. Kirie, John E. Egan, and North Side Water Reclamation Plants 2007
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for Stickney, Calumet, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2006
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for James C. Kirie, John E. Egan, Hanover Park, and North Side Water Reclamation Plants 2006
  Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Management for excellence in utility management and successful implementation of programs that address the range of management challenges facing public wastewater utilities in today's competitive environment 2005-2003
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for North Side Water Reclamation Plant 2005
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for Stickney, Calumet, James C. Kirie, John E. Egan, Hanover Park, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2005
  NACWA Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for Stickney, Calumet, North Side, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2004
  NACWA Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for James C. Kirie, John E. Egan, and Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plants 2004
  Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for Stickney, Calumet, North Side, Hanover Park, John E. Egan, James C. Kirie, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2003
  Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for Hanover Park, North Side, and Calumet Water Reclamation Plants 2002
  Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for John E. Egan, James C. Kirie, Stickney, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2002
  Research and Technology Award on "Biosolids as a Topsoil Substitute for the Germination and Growth of Turf, Forage, Prairie Grasses and Wild Flower Plants" 2001
  National Environmental Achievement Award for Excellence in Research and Technology 2001
  Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Platinum Award for Stickney and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2001
  Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant 2001
  Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Gold Award for Hanover Park, James C. Kirie, North Side, and Calumet Water Reclamation Plants 2001
  Award for Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Silver Award for John E. Egan and James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plants 2000
  Award for Full Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge System Permit Standards, Gold Award for Hanover Park, North Side, Stickney, Calumet, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 2000
  Gold Award for 100% Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge System Permit Standards - Stickney, Calumet, North Side, Hanover Park, John E. Egan, James C. Kirie, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 1999
  National Environmental Achievement Award - Research and Technology for Optimization of Conventional Low Technology Sludge Process to Produce Class A Sludge 1999
  Gold Award for 100% Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge System Permit Standards - Stickney, Calumet, North Side, Hanover Park, James C. Kirie, and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants 1998
  National Achievement Outstanding Operations Award to North Side Water Reclamation Plants for its Instrumentation Project 1997
  Platinum Award for 100% Compliance for more than five years with National Pollutant Discharge System Permit Standards - Calumet and North Side Water Reclamation Plants 1997
  Gold Award for 100% Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge System Permit Standards - James C. Kirie, Lemont, and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants 1997
  Silver Award for 99.9% Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge System Permit Standards - John E. Egan and Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plants 1997
  Outstanding Operations Award for Sidestream Pool Aeration Stations 1993
National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) Green Infrastructure Award, First Place in the Large Agency Category for the Space to Grow Program 2016
National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators Leadership Recognition Award of Distinction for National Save for Retirement Week Campaign 2013, 2009
National Association of State Land Reclamationists (NASLR) Best Innovation Award in Mining Category for the McCook Reservoir Stage 2 2017
National Biosolids Partnership (Water Environment Federation and National Association of Clean Water Agencies) Ten-Year Platinum Award for the Dedication to Environmentally Sound Biosolids Management Practices 2018
  Certificate of Achievement for meeting all the requirements for admittance and certification to the National Biosolids Partnership Environmental Management System Program 2008
National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement Award 2018-2003
National Physical Plan Alliance Champion Award for the Space to Grow program for the collaborative efforts of the District, Chicago Public Schools, and the Department of Water Management in transforming Chicago's underused and outdated schoolyards into vibrant outdoor spaces that benefit students, communities and the environment 2014
National Purchasing Institute Achievement of Excellence in Procurement 2006-2005
National Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Engineering Accomplishment Award for the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan - Phase I System 1985
  Outstanding Engineering Achievements in the United States for the Brookfield LaGrange Rock Tunnel 1973
Risk & Insurance Magazine Honorable Mention in the national Theodore Roosevelt Workers' Competition and Disability Management (TEDDY) Award competition for excellence in safety and workers' compensation risk management 2016
Rotary Club of Naperville Paul Harris Award 2016
Storm Water Solutions Magazine Top 10 Stormwater Project for Space to Grow 2017
  Top 10 Stormwater Project for the Blue Island Green Infrastructure Project 2016
Structural Engineers Association of Illinois Honor Award for the Structural-Geotechnical Design of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Mainstream Pumping Station 1985
The Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois Engineering Excellence Honor Award for the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Mainstream System Phase I 1985
United States Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Achievement through Value Engineering 2003
United States Environmental Protection Agency Honorable Mention of the Phosphorus Recovery System for Excellence and Innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program 2017
  Exemplary Biosolids Management Award - First Place in the Public Acceptance Category 2008
  National Second Place Clean Water Act Recognition Award, James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant, for Outstanding Operations and Maintenance, Large Advanced Plant 2004
  Certificate of Recognition as a Clean Water Partner for the 21st Century 2003
  Designation of the Chicago River as "One of the 25 Outstanding Success Stories in the Nation on the Occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act" 1998
  Award of Excellence for First Place in Category Five in the National Pretreatment Program 1996
  National Pretreatment Award recognizing excellence in the administration of the District's Pretreatment Program 1995
  National First Place Award recognizing the District's Outstanding Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program 1994
  Award for Excellence in Maintenance and Operations Category in Region V as the Best Large Advanced Plant - James C. Kirie Water Reclamation Plant 1994
  Second Place for Outstanding Treatment Facility by Stickney and John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plants in the Area of Maintenance and Operations 1993
  North Side Treatment Plant named "Best in the Midwest" for Municipal Pollution Control 1992
  Affirmative Action Program named "Best in the Country" 1992
  Special Award for Sustained Outstanding Long-Term Contribution to the Beneficial Use of Sludge at the Prairie Plan, Fulton County 1991
  Award for the Affirmative Action Program 1991
United States Green Building Council Best of Green Schools Award for Collaboration, Space to Grow Partnership 2015
  Emerald award for the Space to Grow Program in the Chapter Mission category recognizes the impact collaborations can have in building better, brighter, and healthier spaces to live, learn, and work 2014
Water and Wastes Digest Thornton Composite Reservoir, one of the "Top Projects for 2016 Award" 2016
Water Environment Federation Project Excellence Award for the McCook Reservoir 2018
  Project Excellence Award for the Nutrient Recovery Facility at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plan 2017
  Water Quality Improvement Award for the Calumet Tunnel and Reservoir Plan 2017
  Schroepfer Innovative Facility Design Medal for the Calumet Tunnel and Reservoir Plan 2017
  Award for Outstanding Achievement in Water Quality Improvement 1999-1989
  Recognition for the Solids Dewatering Prototype at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant 1992
Water Environment Research Foundation Award for Excellence in Innovation 2013
The Waterfront Center Excellence on the Waterfront Award for Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration Project 2008