
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.


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:
Result: Faster, smoother startup with fewer surprises.
Many competitors treat commissioning as a punch-list phase. MWH integrates it from the outset by:
Result: Reduced risk of late-stage failures and costly redesigns.
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
Our use of digital tools provides:
Result: Owners have full visibility and confidence in readiness.
We actively involve owner operations staff throughout startup:
Result: Operators are prepared, confident, and self-sufficient at turnover
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.

The Bull Run Filtration Facility in Gresham, Oregon has earned the Envision Platinum Award, the highest honor from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, recognizing its exceptional commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and long‑term community benefit. As a major investment in the region’s drinking water system, the project will improve water quality, enhance reliability, and protect the Bull Run Watershed for future generations. The award highlights strong collaboration among the Portland Water Bureau, design teams, construction partners—including the MWH‑Kiewit joint venture—and community stakeholders, as well as leadership in climate resilience, resource efficiency, and workforce equity.
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This digital thread ensures that design engineers, construction teams, operations staff, and City leadership all work from the same validated foundation of information. In an environment as utility-dense as a 50-year-old wastewater treatment plant, this visibility is essential.
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In January, MWH officially launched its Women in Construction chapter—an exciting milestone for the company and a meaningful step forward for representation across our jobsites, offices, and leadership teams. The launch reflects a growing commitment to elevating the voices and experiences of women who contribute to every part of our work.
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