Joshua Boltz Receives Prestigious WEF Medal

August 31, 2026

Woodard & Curran is pleased to announce that Joshua P. Boltz, Ph.D., P.E., B.C.E.E., one of the firm’s Senior Technical Leaders, and co-author Professor Bruce E. Rittmann, Ph.D., are recipients of the 2026 Eddy Wastewater Principles/Processes Medal by the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The award recognizes outstanding published research that advances the fundamental principles and processes of wastewater treatment and has been presented annually since 1943.

Boltz and Rittmann were selected for their paper, “Modeling aerobic granules in continuously flowing wastewater-treatment processes,” published in the January 2025 issue of Water Environment Research. The research explores the combined use of aerobic granules and suspended biomass for biological nutrient removal in continuously flowing biological wastewater treatment processes, which offers the potential for more efficient biological treatment and a smaller physical footprint.

Boltz (right) and Rittmann (left) were selected for their paper, “Modeling aerobic granules in continuously flowing wastewater-treatment processes,” published in the January 2025 issue of Water Environment Research.

This paper describes work that was completed as part of Water Research Project 5130, Advancement in Continuous Flow Densified Sludge System Design and Operation, and in collaboration with Metro Water Recovery (Denver, CO) and Brown and Caldwell.

The Eddy Medal honors Harrison Prescott Eddy, a pioneering wastewater engineer, and recognizes research that makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge surrounding wastewater treatment principles and processes. WEF considers the award among its premier recognitions.

“Josh has dedicated his career to advancing the science and practice of biological wastewater treatment,” said Tony Elberti, Woodard & Curran Clean Water Market Leader. “This recognition reflects the technical excellence of his work and his commitment to helping utilities apply leading-edge research and solve real-world challenges.”

Dr. Boltz is recognized throughout the international water industry for his expertise in biological wastewater treatment processes, resource recovery, and invention of wastewater technologies. His work bridges academic research and engineering practice, helping utilities, researchers, regulators, and practitioners understand and deploy new approaches that improve performance, resilience, and sustainability of wastewater treatment.

“I’m grateful to receive this award from WEF with my colleague, Dr. Bruce Rittmann,” said Boltz. “It is rewarding to see this work recognized and to contribute knowledge that can help the international water community improve biological wastewater treatment process performance and achieve their long-term goals with large biological aggregates such as aerobic granules.”

Recipients of WEF’s major awards are recognized during WEFTEC, the federation’s annual technical exhibition and conference, which is one of the largest gatherings of water professionals in the world. Award recipients are featured in WEF publications, presentations, and recognition events throughout the conference.

Dr. Boltz’s recognition underscores Woodard & Curran’s commitment to innovation and applied research that advances the water industry while delivering practical value to municipal and industrial clients.

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