AWWA names William Becker 2026 A.P. Black Research Award recipient

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has named William Becker, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2026 A.P. Black Research Award, one of the association’s most prestigious honors. The award recognizes outstanding research contributions to water science and water supply practices rendered over an appreciable period of time.

Becker is vice president and immediate past corporate water practice leader at Hazen and Sawyer, an environmental engineering firm. He has devoted more than four decades to advancing drinking water research and practice. His career uniquely bridges applied research, consulting practice, and academia, with lasting impacts on how utilities design, operate, and optimize water treatment systems.

“Bill Becker’s career reflects the very best of what the A.P. Black Research Award represents — deep scientific expertise paired with a commitment to service and leadership,” said David LaFrance, CEO of AWWA. “His influence can be seen in research programs, treatment facilities, and the many professionals he has mentored throughout the water sector.”

Throughout his career, Becker has led or contributed to dozens of research projects, addressing a wide range of critical topics including coagulation and filtration, disinfection byproducts, corrosion control, ozone and UV treatment, biological filtration, water reuse, and the impacts of climate change and wildfires on source water and treatment performance. He is also widely recognized for helping translate complex research into solutions that utilities can implement at full scale.

In addition to his consulting and research work, Becker has served as an adjunct professor or scholar-in-residence at Columbia University, University of Colorado Boulder and Johns Hopkins University. He has taught and mentored thousands of students, engineers, and operators; and currently serves on the AWWA Technical and Education Council.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” Becker said. “Many of my mentors — and others from whom I have learned so much — are past recipients, and joining this group is truly humbling. Any success I have had in my career is because of them, as well as the many colleagues, friends, and students I’ve worked with throughout the water industry.”

The A.P. Black Research Award is selected by a committee of the Water Science and Research Division under AWWA’s Technical and Educational Council. Becker will be formally recognized at the 2026 AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE).

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific, and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and enhance our quality of life.