Dr. Darren Lytle receives AWWA's prestigious A.P. Black Research Award

(DENVER)  – The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has selected Dr. Darren Lytle, an environmental engineer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as this year’s recipient of the prestigious A.P. Black Research Award.

The award, established in 1967 in honor of Dr. A.P. Black, recognizes outstanding research contributions to water science and water supply practices. Dr. Lytle is being honored for his significant work in protecting human health by supporting drinking water regulations and working with states, communities and homeowners to improve drinking water quality.

"Dr. Lytle's contributions to the water sector are both groundbreaking and impactful, " said David LaFrance, AWWA CEO. "His dedication to both research and community engagement truly embodies the spirit of the A.P. Black Award."

Dr. Lytle has been with the EPA since 1990. Since 2017, he has served as an environmental engineer, providing leadership, originality and judgment in identifying, defining and executing research programs. His research has focused on many topics, including inorganic contaminants such as arsenic, ammonia, nitrate, lead and copper and premise plumbing related water quality issues.

"It is with great appreciation that I accept this award on behalf of EPA’s drinking water research team – past and present – and all who have supported and contributed to this work over the years," said Dr. Lytle. "Thank you to those who nominated me, supported my nomination, and the committee that selected me. I’d also like to thank everyone who has contributed to my research and the impact they have had on serving our nation and communities."

Throughout his long career, Dr. Lytle has published over 100 manuscripts and book chapters, and has made over 150 presentations, often to AWWA audiences. In addition to his research, Dr. Lytle has been active in AWWA, serving on numerous committees and publishing in  Journal AWWA  and  AWWA Water Science .

Dr. Lytle also has an extensive track record working with outside organizations, groups, academics and communities. His impact extends far into communities, where he's tackled real-world challenges like Flint's lead crisis, Toledo's harmful algal blooms, and Milwaukee's cryptosporidium outbreak.

"I am thankful to AWWA for their contributions to the water field and providing me with a platform to share my experiences and research findings directly with the users," said Dr. Lytle.

The A.P. Black Research awardee is selected by a nine-person committee comprised of members of the Water Science and Research Division under AWWA’s Technical and Educational Council. This group of volunteers review the nominations and select the individual judged to be most deserving of the award.

Dr. Lytle will be formally presented with the A.P. Black Research Award at the AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE24) in Anaheim, California on Tuesday, Jun. 11.

Meet EPA Engineer Darren Lytle, Ph.D.

Taxonomy

• Research Institute
• Research