Geosyntec and Partners Honored with NGWA Groundwater Awareness Project Award

Geosyntec practitioners received the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Groundwater Awareness Project Award for their contributions to California's statewide sampling program to monitor per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public water systems in economically disadvantaged communities.

The project was led by Wendy Linck and Dan Newton of the California State Water Resources Control Board in collaboration with Brian Currier of the Office of Water Programs at Sacramento State, Babcock Laboratories, Inc., and Geosyntec.

Geosyntec led the planning and collection of PFAS samples throughout the state. Our team included more than 50 Geosyntec employees from 17 offices and was supported by leadership from Elisabeth Hawley, PE, and Rula Deeb, PhD, BCEEM, PMP. The project team will be recognized at Groundwater Week 2026 in December.

This multi-year grant-funded project increased awareness of PFAS in groundwater statewide and improved protection for public water supplies in disadvantaged communities, demonstrating how strong partnerships can effectively address emerging technologies and public health concerns. The project provides a blueprint for water systems to protect water quality and meet evolving PFAS regulations.

About Geosyntec's Involvement with the California Statewide PFAS Sampling Program

To support California's statewide PFAS sampling program, Geosyntec sampled untreated groundwater supply wells on behalf of water systems over the course of two years. During this time, Geosyntec field staff coordinated with public water systems to sample approximately 150 wells per month. Sample status and schedules were tracked using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based map and database.

For water systems that wished to conduct their own sampling, Geosyntec developed training resources, including an online training video and step-by-step instructions. In addition, we packed and delivered sampling kits and supplies with easy-to-follow instructions to maintain sample quality and streamline sample packing and shipping.

About the Geosyntec Team Leaders

Elisabeth is a Principal Engineer based in California with 19 years of experience advancing projects involving site characterization, fate and transport, remediation and site closure, and litigation support. She often focuses on emerging contaminants, including PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Rula is a Senior Principal based in California with more than 25 years of experience addressing the cross-media fate and transport of contaminants and the remediation of complex soil and groundwater sites impacted by nonaqueous-phase liquids and emerging contaminants like PFAS. Rula is Geosyntec's Vice President of Practice Development.

About the NGWA and the Groundwater Awareness Award

The NGWA Groundwater Awareness Award recognizes outstanding and innovative groundwater public awareness and public relations programs, projects, and campaigns that resulted in recent, significant, positive change. The NGWA advocates for the responsible development, management, and use of water, offering education and outreach, advocacy, cooperation and information exchange, and enhancement of professional practices.

More Information on Monitoring in PFAS Water Systems

Learn more about the project.
Learn more about the award.
Learn more about the NGWA.
For more information on PFAS monitoring and groundwater remediation, contact Rula at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and Elisabeth at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Learn more about Elisabeth: Elisabeth Hawley, PE
Learn more about Rula: Rula Deeb, PhD, BCEEM, PMP