News

Building Connections From Design to Day One

MWH delivers a fully integrated Commissioning & Startup (C&SU) program that begins in preconstruction and carries through final acceptance and operator handover. Unlike traditional approaches where commissioning is treated as a late-stage activity, MWH embeds commissioning into every phase of project delivery, ensuring systems are designed, constructed, tested, and optimized as a cohesive whole.

Our program is built on a systems-based, process-driven approach that aligns design intent with operational performance. We focus on getting facilities online and ensuring they operate reliably, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory and owner requirements from day one.

CORE ELEMENTS OF OUR PROGRAM

  • Early Integration: Commissioning planning begins during design, interim and startup operations, water management, and long-term facility operations.
  • Dedicated S&C Team: Specialized commissioning managers, coordinators, and discipline leads with deep water/wastewater expertise.
  • Systems-Based Approach: Equipment is tested as part of fully integrated systems, not in isolation.
  • Digital Commissioning Tools: Real-time tracking of checklists, deficiencies, and test results for full transparency.
  • Progressive Testing: FATs, SATs, pre- functional, functional, and performance testing executed in a structured sequence.
  • Operator-Focused Turnover: Training, O&M validation, and hands-on involvement of operations staff throughout

MWH Program Differentiator

BUILDER + OPERATOR MINDSET

As a contractor with deep water/wastewater specialization, MWH brings a “builder’s perspective” to commissioning, we understand how systems are actually installed,

interconnected, and operated in the field. This allows us to:

  • Identify and resolve issues earlier
  • Sequence startup activities realistically
  • Reduce rework and delays

Result: Faster, smoother startup with fewer surprises.

COMMISSIONING STARTS ON DAY ONE, NOT AT THE END

Many competitors treat commissioning as a punch-list phase. MWH integrates it from the outset by:

  • Developing a Commissioning Execution Plan (Cx Plan) during preconstruction
  • Defining C&SU sequence early
  • Coordinating closely with designers and vendors

Result: Reduced risk of late-stage failures and costly redesigns.

TRUE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION (NOT JUST EQUIPMENT TESTING)

We go beyond individual equipment checks to validate entire process trains and facility-wide performance under real operating conditions.

Result: Facilities function as intended on Day 1, not just on paper

PROVEN DIGITAL TRACKING & TRANSPARENCY

Our use of digital tools provides:

  • Real-time commissioning status
  • Clear documentation for every asset
  • Streamlined issue tracking and resolution

Result: Owners have full visibility and confidence in readiness.

OPERATOR-CENTRIC APPROACH

We actively involve owner operations staff throughout startup:

  • Hands-on training during commissioning
  • Hands-on training during commissioning
  • Gradual transition of system control

Result: Operators are prepared, confident, and self-sufficient at turnover

BENEFITS TO OWNERS:

MWH’s Commissioning & Startup Program reduces schedule risk through early planning and disciplined execution, preventing delays in the project’s most critical phases. Our approach to integrated teams, empowers Owner’s operators to engage throughout C&SU; building confidence on how to operate the new systems prior to turnover. Our systematic approach fully demonstrates system functionality and performance, enabling our seamless handoff from C&SU to long term operations. The program also builds regulatory confidence by proving compliance from day one and ensures a clean handoff to operations with a fully functional facility.

Commissioning & Startup

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