Daniel B. Stephens, founder and principal hydrologist of Daniel B. Stephens & Associates Inc., has received the 2016 National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Keith E. Anderson Award for outstanding contributions to the organization.

“Throughout the last 42 years, Dan has served with energy and dedication, bringing forth his extensive hydrologic and geological experience, as well as his passion for protecting groundwater, to advance the goals of NGWA,” says nominator W. Richard Laton of California State University, Fullerton.

Stephens’ contributions to NGWA include serving on the:

• NGWA Board of Directors
• Scientists and Engineers Board of Directors
• Membership Standing Committee
• Policy and Code of Regulations Standing Committee
• Scientists and Engineers International Committee

In addition, he has led several NGWA short courses and given more than 20 presentations at NGWA events. Stephens has authored or coauthored 10 papers for NGWA’s two peer-reviewed journals, Groundwater and Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation. He has also been published in numerous other publications and several books, has served on a variety of technical review and advisory boards, and has been involved in hundreds of hydrogeological projects.

When asked about the one major groundwater-related accomplishment of which he has been most proud so far in his career, Stephens answered, “As a professor, I developed perhaps the first course entitled ‘Vadose Zone Hydrology,’ and I am especially proud of the work my students and coworkers have done in this field.”

This work has made an enduring impact on the scientific community regarding applied analyses of vadose zone processes that play a vital role in understanding infiltration and quantifying groundwater recharge rates. Stephens’ work in this area has also resulted in improving the ability to understand, monitor and model subsurface contaminants. He is the author of the 1995 book, “Vadose Zone Hydrology.”

The Keith E. Anderson Award will be presented to Stephens during NGWA’s 2016 Groundwater Week Dec. 6-8 in Las Vegas.

NGWA is a nonprofit that supports responsible development, management and use of water resources. It’s comprised of groundwater professionals ranging from contractors to equipment manufacturers to scientists and engineers. For more information, visit www.ngwa.org.