Awards and Honors
Awards and Honors
2026
- Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) of the California Water Environment Association
- Community Engagement & Outreach: Project of the Year –Gold– Wastewater 101 Citizens' Academy
- Operator of the Year – Scott Green
- WateReuse Award of Excellence in Outreach and Education for Wastewater 101 Citizens' Academy
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification for OC San Headquarters from the U.S. Green Building Council
- California Water Environment Association
- 1st and 3rd Place in the Photo Contest
- 3rd Place Winner of the Outreach and Education: Project of the Year (Large) Award for Wastewater 101 Citizens' Academy
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Honor Award in Environmental Sustainability for OC San Headquarters
- Honor Award in Environmental Communications for Wastewater 101 Citizens' Academy
- EPIC Award from the California Association of Public Information Officers for the 2025 Take Your Kid to Work Day Event
2025
- Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) of the California Water Environment Association
- Community Engagement & Outreach Photography Award – Gold
- Community Engagement & Outreach: Project of the Year – Silver – Los Alamitos Construction Project
- Operator of the Year – Shaun Siddiqui
- Safety Plant of the Year for Plant No. 1
- WateReuse Award for Outreach and Education – Heritage Museum Partnership
- California Water Environment Association
- Community Engagement & Outreach Photography Award – First Place for Wastewater 101 2023 Photo
- Community Engagement & Outreach Photography Award – Third Place for Wastewater 101 2024 Photo
- Safety Plant of the Year for Plant No. 1
- Platinum Peak Performance Award for Plant Nos. 1 and 2 from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association
- Golden Hub Award in Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency for OC San Headquarters from Association of California Cities-Orange County
- Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from National Procurement Institute
- Outstanding Achievement in Popular Financial Reporting for the Annual Comprehensive Report from the Government Finance Officers Association
- Graphic Design USA Inhouse Awards
- Rise Program logo and icons
- 2024 State of OC San video
- 2025 Honor Wall Branding
- Organizational Excellence Award for the Employee Development Program from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies
- SAVVY Award for the 70th Anniversary Branding from City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3-CMA)
- ENR Regional Best Project Award- Best Government/Public Building for OC San Headquarters
- Excellence in Information Technology Practices from Municipal Information Systems Association of California
- Best Civic Project for OC San Headquarters from the International Interior Design Association- Southern California Chapter
- Silver Davey Award for the 70th Branding
- Fast Company's 2025 Innovation by Design Awards for OC San Headquarters
- Los Angeles Architectural Awards for OC San Headquarters from Beyond LA
- Merit Award-Interior Design for OC San Headquarters from Illuminating Engineering Society
- Plant Positive Awards Civic Winner for OC San Headquarters
- Gold in Governmental Interior for OC San Headquarters from Frame Awards
- Highly Commended recognition in Production, Energy and Logistics Category for OC San Headquarters from World Architecture Festival
- Graphic Design USA
- Take Your Kid to Work Day
- OC San Educational Pipe Display
- National Environmental Achievement Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for OC San Headquarters and Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy
2024
- District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation
- Platinum Peak Performance Award for Plant Nos. 1 and 2 from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies
- Excellence in Informational Technology Practices Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association
- American Inhouse Design Award from Graphic Design USA for CIP Annual Report, Community Newsletter and Keep It Flowing Brochure
- Best In Show Award from California Association of Public Information Officers for GWRS Final Expansion Event
- Epic Award from California Association of Public Information Officers for GWRS Final Expansion Event
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from Government Finance Officers Association
- Design & Print Silver Award from the Davey Awards for CIP Annual Report
- Corporate/Organization Transformation Award from the Institute of Asset Management North America
- National Environmental Achievement Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for OC San Connection Newsletter and Employee Development Program
- American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for Open House Count Down and 70th Anniversary Campaign
- Certificate of Excellence from DAC Bond for 20 years of reporting municipal bonds
2023
- Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) of the California Water Environmental Agency (CWEA)
- Community Engagement & Outreach - 1st Place- Heritage Museum
- Mechanical Technician of the Year- Victor Gonzalez
- Operator of the Year- Milton Rocha
- Silver Award for Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention, and Stormwater (P3S) Person of the Year- Bryce Dragon
- John W. Gaston, Jr., Award for Excellence in Public Service Management from American Society of Public Administration
- Grand Prize in Design from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Science for the GWRS Final Completion
- Investment Policy Certificate from CMTA
- Outstanding Water Treatment Project and Project of the Year Award from American Society of Civil Engineers
- Platinum Peak Performance Award for Plant Nos. 1 and 2 from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies
- 1st Place in Community Engagement and Outreach for the Heritage Museum from California Water Environmental Agency
- National Inhouse Design Awards from Graphic Design USA
- Project Achievement Award from the Construction Management Association of America for the GWRS Final Completion
- Utility of the Future from Water Environment Federation and National Association of Clean Water Agencies
- Award of Excellence Capital Project from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies for the GWRS Final Completion
- Innovative Project of the Year from the California Special Districts Association for the GWRS Final Completion
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association
- Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute
- Special Achievement Award in GIS from ESRI
- Excellence in Innovation Award from Association of California Water Associations for the GWRS Final Completion
2022
- Honor Award for Excellence in Engineering and Science from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientist
- Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Project - State College Sewer Trunk Line from the American Society of Civil Engineers
- California Water Environmental Association:
- Plant Safety of the Year
- Operator of the Year - Anthony Chang
- Award of Distinction (Silver) for the 2020/21 Annual Report and 2020/21 Construction Improvement Program Report from the Communicator Awards
- Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of California Water Agencies
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Report from the Government Finance Officers Association
- American Inhouse Design Award from Graphic Design USA for Annual Report and CIP Annual Report
- Paul B. Clark Award from the California Association of Public Information Officers
- Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute
- EPIC Award for the OC San Logo from the California Association of Public Information Officers
- Utility Leadership Award from National Association of Clean Water Agencies
2021
- Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute
- Excellence Award from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies for Asset Management Program
- The National Association of Clean Water Agencies:
- Platinum Peak Performance Award
- Excellence in Management Recognition
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the FY 2020-2021.
- The California Water Environment Association
- Collections System of the Year: 2nd place
- The National Safety Council:
- Occupational Excellence Achievement Award: Plant No. 1
- Milestone Award: Plant No. 2
- Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) of the California Water Environmental Agency (CWEA):
- Operator of the Year – Gold - Michael Huls
- Collection System Person of the Year – Steve Grande
- Collection System of the Year, 200 – 500 miles
- Gimmicks and Gadgets – Alkaline Enhanced Iron Odor Control
- Large Plant Safety Award
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association
- Excellence in Informational Technology Practices Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California
- WateReuse Awards for Excellence Advocacy Achievement from the WateReuse Association
2020
- Honorable Mention from the Architect's Newspaper - Best of the Year Announcements for the OC San Headquarters Complex
- Excellence Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California
- The National Association of Clean Water Agencies:
- Platinum Peak Performance Award
- Gold Excellence in Management Recognition
- Utility of the Future Today Award from the Water Environment Federation for OC San efforts in energy generation and recovery
- Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute
- American Inhouse Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the 65th Anniversary Annual Report and 65th Anniversary Window Logo
- Grand prize from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists for the Climate Resiliency and Adaptation Plan
- Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) of the California Water Environmental Agency (CWEA):
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Program of the Year (Large) - 1st Place - State College Sewer Construction Outreach Program
- Collections Systems (Medium): 2nd Place
- Laboratory Person of the Year, 1st Place: Dawn Myers
- Laboratory Person of the Year, 2nd Place: Arturo Diaz
- Operator of the Year, 2nd Place: Jennifer Alexander
- Spotlight Award Winner - Professional Development Committee: Cindy Murra
- Excellence in Procurement from the California Association of Public Procurement Officials
- Investment Policy Certification from the California Municipal Treasurers Association
- The California Water Environment Association:
- Community Engagement and Outreach - Film Festival (Professional Category): 1st Place for OC San General Tour Video
- Community Engagement and Outreach Project of the Year: 2nd place for the State College Sewer Construction Outreach Program
- PICK Award for Professionalism, Ingenuity, Contribution, Knowledge: Regulatory Specialist, Dindo Carrillo
- Presidents Award: Jonathon Powell
2019
- Award from the Orange County Business Council for the Interim Food Waste Station at Plant No.2
- American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the CIP Annual Report
- District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation for demonstrating the completion of eight essential governance transparency requirements
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - OC Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year from ASCE
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the FY 2016-17 and 2017-18 Budget Document.
- Engineering Merit Award from the Orange County Engineering Council
- Project Achievement Award by Orange County Engineering Council
- Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) of the California Water Environmental Agency (CWEA)
- Quarter Century Award - Tony Lee
- Community Engagement and Outreach Project of the Year - Plant No. 2 Neighborhood Outreach Program (Project leads: Tanya Chong & Daisy Covarrubias)
- Supervisor of the Year 1st Place - Ted Gerber
- Supervisor of the Year 2nd Place - Kevin Schuler
- Mechanical Technician Person of the Year - Gilbert Barela
- Operator of the Year - April Frost
- SARBS Spotlight Award - Dindo Carrillo
- Silver Award for excellence in PR from Mercury Excellence Awards for the GWRS Water Bottle Campaign presented to OCSD and OCWD
- Superior Achievement Award from American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) for Collections System Odor Control.
- Honor Award in Planning by the AAEES for the Facilities Master Plan
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association
- Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies
2018
- Excellence Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association Commission for outstanding practices in Information Technology
- Award of Excellence from the Orange County Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for the agencies' "GWRS Bottled Water Campaign" presented to OCWD and OC San
- Platinum Hermes Award from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals for the Advanced Purified Bottled Water Campaign in the category Public Relations/Communications/Strategic Programs presented to OCWD and OC San
- Ragan’s 2017 PR Daily Honorable Mention in the Press Event or Media Tour category for “Purified Recycled Water Takes on Hollywood,” the GWRS bottled water launch, presented to OCWD, OC San and Dick Jones Communications
- Platinum Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies
- Awards of Distinction from the Communicator Awards
- Annual Report
- CIP Annual Report
- The Flushable 3 Video
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association
- Financial Reporting Achievement was presented to Lina Hsiao, as the individual primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the FY 2016-17 and 2017-18 Budget Document
- Santa Ana River Basin (SARB) winners at the local section of the California Water Environment Association.
- Operator of the Year - Larry Anderson
- Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention and Storm water Person of the Year - Jonathon Powell
- Quarter Century Recognition - Michelle Hetherington and Vicki Francis
2017
- National Environmental Achievement Award in the Operations and Environmental Performance category from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for the Urban Runoff Diversion Program
- Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute
- Gold Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for permit compliance at Plant No. 1 and Plant No. 2
- American In-house Design Award from the Graphic Design USA for the annual report
- District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation
- Two American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists Honor Awards
- Planning Category - Biosolids Master Plan
- Environmental Sustainability Category - Effluent Reuse Study
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United State and Canada for the Orange County Sanitation District budget
- Santa Ana River Basin (SARBS) of the California Water Environment Association:
- Operator of the Year - Duane Smith
- Mechanical Technician of the Year - Jesus Baez
- Supervisor of the Year - William Cassidy
- SARBS SPOTLight Award for Waste Discharge Requirements - Dindo Carrillo
- Safety Plant of the Year
- SARBS President - Roy Reynolds
- SARBS Past President/Treasurer - William Cassidy
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the year ending June 30, 2016.
- Communicator Awards (one gold and two silver)
- Annual Report, 2015- 2016
- CIP Annual Report
- Redesigned ocsd.com website
2016
- Communicator Silver Award for the 2014-2015 Annual Report
- American In-house Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the Annual Report
- Golden Hub Award from the Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC-OC) for the Newport Beach Construction Project - Outreach Program
- Three American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists Honor Awards
- Design Category for the Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System Initial Expansion - Presented to Black & Veatch, OC San and OCWD
- Research Category for the Critical Assessment of Process Odorants
- Environmental Sustainability Category for the Central Generation Emissions Control J-111
- Client of the Year from the American Council of Engineering Companies for clients who have made a commitment to public/private partnerships, consideration of the qualifications of consulting engineers and land surveyors in their selection and having contributed significantly to engineering and surveying community
- Gold Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for Plant No. 1 and Plant No. 2 permit compliance
- Utility of the Future Today from the Utility of the Future Recognition Program. This program highlights the progress and exceptional performance of wastewater utilities. The recognition program is a collaborative effort that includes the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, the WateReuse Association with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute
- Excellence Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California for outstanding practices in Information Technology
- ‘AAA’ credit rating from Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s for maintaining its exceptional degree of creditworthiness and ability to meet its financial commitments
- Two leadership awards at the Water Environment Federation TEC 2016 Conference - Christopher Stacklin
- Water Reuse Roadmap
- Wastewater Worker Safety for High Consequence Pathogens
- Certificate of Recognition from the California Emergency Services Association - George Rivera
2015
- Excellence Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California for OC San's Information Technology Department
- American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the 2014 Biosolids Management Program Performance Report
- Communicator Awards - recognize big ideas in marketing and communications.
- Annual Report video - two Silver Awards of Distinction for Government and Overall Design
- 60th Anniversary History video - Silver Award of Distinction for History/Biography
- American In-house Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the 60th Anniversary Annual Report
- Leading Fleets No. 1 Mid Size Fleet Award from the Government Fleet Magazine and ranks No. 10 in overall public fleet in the nation for OC San's Fleet Services
- Safety Award from the Water Environment Federation
- Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute
- Gold Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for excellence in permit compliance at Plant No. 1 and 2
- 1st Renewal of TsunamiReady and StormReady recognition from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) of the California Water Environment Association:
- Operator of the Year - Esther Chang
- Operator of the Year - 2nd Place - Allan Dumlao
- Mechanic of the Year - 2nd Place - and Gimmicks & Gadgets - Gilbert Barela
- Safety Plant of the Year
- SARBS Secretary - Cindy Murra
- SARBS Treasurer - William Cassidy
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government of Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
- Financial Reporting Achievement was presented to Lina Hsiao, as the individual primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.
- Outstanding Engineer Merit Award from Orange County Engineering Council and Public Sector Civil Engineer of Merit from the American Society of Civil Engineers to Victoria Pilko
- Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Project in the State of California from the American Society of Civil Engineer’s for the Plant No. 2 Headworks Replacement Project, Project No. P2-66
- Wastewater Conveyance Project of the Year from the American Society of Civil Engineers for the Santa Ana River Interceptor Relocation project. This project was completed in partnership with County of Orange, Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority.
2014
- Excellence Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California for OC San's Information Technology
- Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year Award from the Los Angeles Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers for the Plant No. 2 Headworks Replacement Project, Project No. P2-66
- Safety Award from the Water Environment Federation
- 10 Year Platinum Award from the National Biosolids Partnership honored three biosolids management organizations
- Orange County Sanitation District, City of Los Angeles, and DC Water of Washington, DC
- District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation for being fully transparent, as well as open and accessible to the public and other stakeholder
- Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute
- Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for OC San’s Plants No. 1 and 2 complete and consistent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit compliance
- Governing Magazine recognizes OC San's Fleet Services Named Among Top Fleet Government Programs in the U.S.
- Graphic Design USA 2014 American In-house Design Award for OC San’s Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) residential campaign
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada
- Project Achievement Award for projects over $100 million from the Construction Management Association of America at its Southern California Chapter Awards Banquet for the P2-66 headworks project
- Plant Safety Award from the California Water Environmental Agency
- Best Marketing/Communications Campaign from the California Association of Public Information Officers for the What 2 Flush campaign
- U.S. Water Prize from the U.S. Water Alliance for the Ground Water Replenishment System was awarded to OC San and OCWD
- Engineering Project of the Year Award from the Orange County Engineering Council for the Plant No. 2 Headworks Replacement Project
- Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers, Orange County Division for the Plant No. 2 Headworks Replacement Project
2013
- Platinum Award from the Orange County American Red Cross for increasing participation in Community Volunteer Blood Program by 165% in 2012
- Engineering Achievement Award from the California Water Environmental Agency for the J-112 the Ocean Outfall and OOBS Piping Rehabilitation
- Project of Merit Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers:
- Job No J-112, Ocean Outfall & Booster Pump Station Rehabilitation
- Job No P1-102, Secondary Activated
- 18th Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute
2012
- National Environmental Achievement Award in Research and Technology for Fuel Cell Demonstration for Energy and Hydrogen Production project
- Project of the Year Award from the Construction Management Association of America for the P2-90 trickling filter project
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) by the Government Finance Officers Association for the United States and Canada
- Financial Reporting Achievement was presented to Lina Hsiao, Accounting Supervisor, as the individual primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.
- Outstanding Public Outreach/Education Award (large agency) for social media efforts
- 17th Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute
- Gold Peak Performance Award from the National Association for Clean Water Agencies for the Reclamation Plant No.1 and Treatment Plant No. 2
- The Bitter Point Pump Station (5-49) project received the ENR California Award of Merit
- Engineering News-Record California Best Civil Works/Infrastructure Project Award of Merit - Martin Dix and the Bitter Point Pump Station team (5-49)
- National Water Research Institute’s Award of Excellence for completing the 10 year Secondary Treatment Program and ensuring that only the highest quality water is released into the ocean and recycled by the Groundwater Replenishment System
- Trenchless Technology Project of the Year for Rehabilitation - Magnolia Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project