The T. L. Satterwhite Award is given by WEAT to an individual person, an engineering firm, or an industrial entity for the development of a solution to an industrial wastewater treatment problem.

T. L. Satterwhite was an early pioneer operator/engineer in the industrial section of the sewage division of the Texas Water Utilities Association and what is now WEAT. From 1929 to 1969, he worked as senior staff engineer for Baytown's Humble Oil (now Exxon) where he specialized in researching and treating industrial wastes. Even though, Mr. Satterwhite did not pursue a Ph.D. degree in post-graduate studies, his contemporaries affectionately gave him the nickname "Doc" because of his emphasis on technical details and his knowledge and expertise in wastewater engineering. Recognized as Exxon's all-time college recruiter, he recruited graduates more for their unorthodox ideas for new methodology than for their grade point averages, thereby ushering in a new era of innovative research and development for the corporation. In addition, he served as Vice President of the Texas Water Sewerage Association and was one of the first Presidents of the Texas Water Pollution Control Association (later WEAT). He became one of the first licensed State of Texas Water Supply Operators in 1944 and was a regular teacher at the annual Texas Water and Sewage Works Short Schools. He served for 15 years on the State Water Certification Committee reviewing test papers of prospective wastewater plant managers and did not hesitate to fail someone for not measuring up to his stringent standards. He became known as one of the State's most knowledgeable water experts in commercial and industrial water problems and effluent control. He was always ready to listen, discuss, and take action on any subject concerning water and had the reputation for "doing what was needed to be done" to solve water problems. Throughout a career dedicated to the wastewater environment, "Doc" Satterwhite served as a role model encouraging superintendents, engineers, chemists, and scientists to improve the treatment processes of industrial treatment plants.