125 Wastewater treatment plants in Washington recognized for excellence

Washington has more than 300 wastewater treatment facilities, and they all serve an important role in protecting water quality and public health. Every wastewater facility needs certified operators to keep these facilities running smoothly. The Washington Department of Ecology is recognizing 125 wastewater facilities and their operators with the annual Outstanding Performance Awards for their work in 2025.

The wastewater operators at each of these facilities achieved compliance with their routine water quality monitoring, reporting requirements, and in meeting water quality permit limits. These awards recognize the day-to-day hard work that wastewater operators perform.

What does a wastewater treatment plant operator do?

Wastewater treatment facilities are also called wastewater treatment plants. The people who work at those facilities are called operators, they work hard every day to clean the waste out of the water that leaves our industries, businesses, and homes. Their efforts help prevent pollution from entering local waterways and protect the health of communities and the environment.

Operators ensure treated wastewater meets state water quality standards before it is released to rivers, streams, or the Puget Sound. Ecology uses wastewater permits to make sure treatment facilities are properly designed, operated, and maintained to meet limits that protect people from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pollutants.

Jon Kenning, Ecology's Water Quality program manager, emphasized the vital services that wastewater treatment plant operators provide for communities.

"Wastewater infrastructure is something that often goes unnoticed. Many of us don't think about where our water goes or how it gets treated, while wastewater operators think about it every day," Kenning said. "Their work often goes unseen, but it benefits everyone in the state."

Every facility is unique in its location and design, but all rely on skilled, certified operators to keep systems running safely, efficiently, and reliably.

How outstanding facilities are chosen

Ecology selects wastewater treatment plants for the Outstanding Performance Award based on meeting specific permit conditions, including:

• Regularly meeting numeric effluent limits
• Monitoring water quality, as required
• Submitting reports on time

Award recipients receive a plaque and certificate to show off their excellence and continued commitment to keeping Washington's lakes, rivers, and streams clean.

2025 award highlights

• Three facilities earned the award for the first time:
  • Washington State Parks, Pearrygin Lake State Park
  • LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Martin Way Reclamation Facility
  • Coulee City, Coulee City Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Ten facilities have received this award 11 or more years in a row, showing long-term excellence:
  • City of Stanwood Wastewater Treatment Plant (11^th)
  • Carlyon Beach Homeowners Association Wastewater Treatment Plant (11^th)
  • City of Kettle Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant (11^th)
  • Carnation Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant (11^th)
  • City of Asotin Wastewater Treatment Plant (13^th)
  • City of Elma Wastewater Treatment Plant (13^th)
  • City of Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant (13^th)
  • PUD No. 1 Klickitat County, Klickitat Wastewater Treatment Plant (18^th)
  • Discovery Clean Water Alliance, Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (19^th)
  • City of Port Townsend Wastewater Treatment Facility (30^th)

See the full list of award-winning facilities on our website.

A word from the award winners

We talked to some of the employees at several of these award-winning facilities to get a better sense of what this award means to them.

LOTT Clean Water Alliance

"We have a talented, dedicated team here at LOTT. Our operators, lab technicians, maintenance team - everyone across the organization contributed to this achievement," said Matt Kennelly, Executive Director. "Meeting these requirements reflects thousands of hours of hard work, problem solving, and teamwork. We take great pride in serving our community and protecting Puget Sound and appreciate this recognition."

City of Okanogan Wastewater Treatment Plant

"For me personally I enjoy the challenge of the day to day operations to stay in compliance, the hard work and dedication that our operators have, and the rewards of helping to protect our water," said Wastewater Operator, Clint Little.

Anacortes Wastewater Treatment Plant

"Receiving the award is a meaningful recognition for our team's dedication to protecting public health, preserving our environment, and serving our community with integrity. Every day, our staff works to ensure we meet the highest environmental standards and responsibly steward the critical infrastructure our community depends on," said Laboratory Supervisor Corrin Hamburg. "This award reflects a shared commitment to doing our best for the public, our coworkers, and future generations. It recognizes the pride our team takes in producing quality work, fostering a culture of safety and making a positive impact on the environment and the community we are honored to serve."

Sedro Woolley Wastewater Treatment Plant

"Receiving this award reflects the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of every member of our wastewater treatment team. Every day, we work behind the scenes with a shared commitment to producing clean water, protecting public health, and preserving our environment for future generations," said Wastewater Supervisor, Ralph Kennedy. "This recognition isn't just about operational excellence - it's about the people who show up every day with pride, support one another, and serve our community with integrity. We are honored to receive this award and remain committed to providing safe, reliable wastewater treatment that our community can depend on."

Olympic Corrections Center Wastewater Treatment Plant

"These awards set a standard that we try to achieve each year. The Olympic Corrections Center operators are proud that their dedication and hard work have helped us keep in compliance with all permit requirements," said Howard Henry from Department of Corrections. "The award is something that they can use when applying for employment showing they strive for the highest standards."

Pe Ell Wastewater Treatment Plant

"Receiving the award is a tremendous honor for me and our staff. This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism, and pride our team brings to the job every day," said Wastewater Superintendent, Ryan Webster. "While much of our work happens behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in protecting public health, preserving our local waterways, and ensuring we provide the best possible service to the residents of Pe Ell. I couldn't be prouder of our team and what this accomplishment means for the people we serve."

Become a wastewater treatment plant operator

As Washington faces aging infrastructure, climate change, and an aging workforce, the state needs more wastewater treatment plant operators! If you have experience as a welder, mechanic, lab tech, engineer, have similar work experience, or have worked at a similar facility, this could be a good career path for you.

To learn more, visit Ecology's Wastewater Operator Certification Program page.