Dr. Ben Stanford

Ben is an internationally-recognized expert in water chemistry, water quality and contaminant research, and has conducted numerous studies across science, engineering and public health protection for water, water reuse and wastewater. As Senior Director of Water Research and Development, he is responsible for sustaining American Water’s efforts as a leader in environmental performance, stewardship, and innovation on behalf of customers. 

He has served as an advisor for the American Water Works Association, WateReuse Research Foundation, the National Science Foundation, World Health Organization, municipalities and other groups on emerging contaminants, water treatment technologies, long-range regulatory compliance and related issues. Prior to joining American Water, Ben served as the director of Applied Research for Hazen and Sawyer where he managed over 70 research grants. He has also served in a research capacity for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, and was a chemistry teacher in North Carolina and for U.S. Peace Corps in Tanzania. He earned his doctorate degree in Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of North Carolina and his bachelor’s degree at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina.

Recent articles by Dr. Ben Stanford

The Growing Impact of Climate Change on Water Quantity and Quality

When I was a kid in school, we talked about the possibility of global climate…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Quality

Imagine a Day Without Water—and the next day and the next day and …

Today, marks the Value of Water Campaign’s fourth annual Imagine a Day Without Water, which…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Infrastructure Investment

P2: Replacing Pollution Anxiety with Clean-Earth Equality

September 17-23 marks the EPA’s annual Pollution Prevention (P2) Week, an effort focused on mobilizing…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Quality

American Water: A Big Fish in the Data Lake

From big data to microdata, it is clear that the use of data is becoming…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Innovation

A “Cool” Twist for Geothermal Technology

Decades ago, someone asked, “What if we could tap into the Earth’s natural heating system…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Innovation

Drinking Water Week: Who’s Thirsty for New Challenges?

If you asked the public, which era was more in need of Drinking Water Week—modern…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Quality

Assessing the “Raw Water” Trend

Recently, you may have seen or heard about “raw water” a trend that has been…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Quality

Differences in Drought: Taking Out the Doubt

When people hear “drought” the scenarios they conjure up go to one of two extremes.…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Quality

How Changing Habits Can Keep Plastic Out Of Water Systems

Plastics are everywhere. You’ve likely heard about the discouraging impact plastic is having on water…

Dr. Ben Stanford

Quality