The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) has been awarded the American Academy of Environmental Engineers Grand Award for its first-in-the-nation maintenance training and certification program for the water and wastewater industry.
WASA teamed with CDM, a full service, global consulting, engineering construction and operations firm, and the International Maintenance Institute to develop this landmark program that allows maintenance professionals to gain national recognition in their field, and increased ownership of their work. Since certifying 170 maintenance professionals, WASA has realized significant cost savings by reducing the need for maintenance outsourcing contracts by more than 50 percent.

"We are honored to receive this award from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers," said Jerry Johnson, WASA general manager. "We are continually working to enhance the performance of our operations staff while improving services provided to customers."
While certification for operators and laboratory technicians has existed for years, maintenance certification has not. By training and certifying maintenance personnel, WASA has ensured a skilled and efficient workforce. Educating foremen and management through a train-the-trainer program has increased professional understanding between management and laborers and improved productivity. In addition, cross-training maintenance staff with operations staff further strengthens the knowledge mix of all employees.

The American Academy of Environmental Engineers is the lead society for environmental engineering education program accreditation and is a recognized authority on environmental engineering licensure and specialty certification.

WASA has the largest advanced wastewater treatment facility in the world. It is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government and serves more than 500,000 residents in the District by delivering drinking water and collecting and treating wastewater. WASA also provides wastewater treatment services for Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.