CCEE Distinguished AlumniInternational impact, advancement and innovative contributions in the wastewater industry and dedication to industry education
Inducted 2024
Madan L. Arora has over five decades of experience in wastewater and water treatment. After earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Punjab University in India, he began his journey as a Cyclone, earning his Master’s in 1968 and PhD in 1970, both in civil (sanitary) engineering.
Arora has maintained licensure in six states and held several leadership positions for over two decades at MWH Constructors Inc. and Bechtel Corporation before moving to Parsons Corp in 1998 where he served as a Director/Senior Technical Director until his recent retirement. Throughout his career, Arora played an integral role in many water and wastewater projects, including the successful completion of feasibility studies, master plans, designs of wastewater treatment and reclamation plants, as well as construction management of these facilities. His active engagement in data analysis and pioneering studies leveraged cutting-edge technologies and processes to enhance water quality, water reuse and recycling and optimize facility designs and efficiency.
Arora’s work has led to the introduction of many innovative and alternative technologies, now commonly used across the nation. In addition to his work in the field, he has authored and/or presented over 90 papers in prestigious journals and at conferences, both national and international. Arora’s established expertise was also called upon by the US Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate several technologies like sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), modified SBR and activated biofiltration and he was the prime author of the design manual and/or procedures for many of his evaluated technologies. He has served on the Water Reuse Committee and International Committee of the Water Environmental Federation (WEF) as well as the Examination Subcommittee of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.
Arora has a passion for improving society, shown throughout his expansive water and wastewater career and philanthropic contributions. He served on his local school district’s bond oversight committee, responsible for upgrading the facilities of nine schools, and he recently completed his term as the Water Commissioner for the City of Glendora, CA. In addition, he was a founding member of two charitable hospitals in India. Arora places great emphasis on education and continually speaks at colleges, professional groups, and community service organizations. His drive to mentor and support the future of the industry is also seen with his connections and contributions to Iowa State.
Arora’s work spans internationally, and his programs and approaches have become a template for ongoing and future water-use programs in places such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose in addition to his contribution to water and wastewater projects in Algeria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Arora recently published “Happiness Comes From Small Things”, a book which focuses on enjoying the simple things in life, including dedication to one’s life, work and helping others. Arora has applied this philosophy to his practice of environmental engineering and his contribution to society.