"This summer I had the opportunity to work for Stacey DePasquale Engineering (SDE) located in Lawrence Massachusets. SDE is a subcontractor hired by cities in the Greater Boston Area. They work to ensure municipalities stay within the state’s MS4 standards on Storm Drains and water quality. In this picture, I am taking a sample from a Boston Storm Drain (despite it saying it's a sewer). After opening the manhole and taking a water sample using an extendable rod, the water was tested for ammonia, chlorine, and surfactants. A "hit" or high number could lead to further upstream drain investigation or determine a line as contaminated. This feedback is given back to the city and they can make changes to improve infrastructure, clean waterways, prevent further contamination, or simply make changes to keep within MS4 standards! Results are reported using Survey123 and ArcGIS mapping. This internship has given me so much valuable experience pertaining to urban water maintenance and how important water is. In addition to field experience, I have met a wonderful group of people who have helped me learn new things, expand my network, and point me in the right direction as I further my career and studies at UVM. I look forward to returning to this internship this winter!"