Raucher Recognized for Advancements in Water Research

The Water Resources Foundation honored Dr. Bob Raucher with the Dr. Pankaj Parekh Research Innovation Award in June. Dr. Raucher addresses the audience and explains his notion of "one water" that must be managed wisely. Photo Credit: WRF Dr. Robert Raucher, principal associate in Abt Global’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, was recently honored by the Water Research Foundation (WRF) with the Dr. Pankaj Parekh Research Innovation Award. Dr. Parekh was a tireless water research advocate, and the award recognizes innovative researchers and research teams who make significant contributions to advancing water science.  
 
For over three decades, Raucher has been a leading expert on integrated water resources planning, water utility management, cost benefit analysis, regulatory policy, and climate change and adaptation strategies. He also has focused on triple bottom line analysis, water reuse and desalination planning and implementation, as well as green infrastructure and stormwater management.
 
“As Abt continues its work with clients around the world, we know that climate change and natural resources management go hand in hand,” said Joshua Lipton, Ph.D., Division Vice President.  “Bob’s research is helping agencies, communities and countries prepare and adapt to changing water supply availability and needs.”
 
Throughout his career, Raucher has helped clients in the U.S. and around the world understand that there is only “one water,” and as an essential resource for everyone, it must be managed wisely. He has worked with local, state, and federal agencies and serves on numerous expert panels and committees, including the National Academies of Science and three workgroups for the National Drinking Water Advisory Council. For the WRF alone, Raucher has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on 23 different research projects and has provided leadership on WRF Project Advisory Committees and Issue Groups. He is also a member of the WRF Water Utility Finance Technical Advisory Committee.


Dr. Raucher with Dr. Parekh's wife Anne Parekh. Photo Credit: WRF. “It is a great honor to be recognized with this award. I have been very fortunate to participate in a large number of interesting research efforts with the Foundation, which has given me the unique opportunity to help move the water sector forward,” said Raucher. “It also has provided me with a large network of professional peers. I feel especially grateful, and humbled, to receive an award honoring Pankaj Parekh. It is truly an honor to have my name associated with his, through this award.” 
 
Dr. Pankaj Parekh was the former director of water quality for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and dedicated his life to safe water for the public’s health.
 
Raucher received the award during the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference, ACE16, in Chicago.
 
Learn more about Abt’s work in Environment and Natural Resources.