We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lucy Lytton.
Lucy was a Senior Water Resources Management Specialist with the World Bank, working mainly on groundwater in South Asia. Before this she worked with the Australian government and with the United Kingdom water industry. She undertook humanitarian support missions to Senegal, Chad and Sri Lanka. Her concerns about pollution causing further water scarcity, adding to the pressures from changes in demography and climate, led to her more recent focus on groundwater quality.
Lucy brought a rare combination of technical excellence, integrity, and unwavering dedication to sustainable groundwater management. She consistently sought to elevate the role of science in policy and project design, believing that sound, evidence-based approaches were essential to protecting and managing groundwater resources. Her thoughtful insights and collaborative spirit left a lasting impact on colleagues and friends around the world. Lucy approached every challenge with humility and purpose, always advocating for the responsible stewardship of groundwater.
Lucy will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the quiet strength with which she served communities globally. Her legacy lives on in the work she helped shape and the people she inspired.
Jane Dottridge, who taught Lucy as an MSc student said, “I was honoured to have helped her to make such a positive contribution to applied hydrogeology.” Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to work alongside her.
Jane Dottridge, Francois Bertone
