CLT Stormwater: One Piece of a Dynamic System

Written By: Halee Reinhardt, NCSU

If you’d asked me last fall what my summer would look like, I’d probably have painted a picture of long, lazy days in the sun and too much ice cream. And while there was plenty of sun (and ice cream), it wasn’t in the way you’d expect. Instead, I found myself trekking through the wooded areas of Charlotte, dodging towering weeds, battling the summer heat, and facing my fear of (alarmingly large) spiders.

This summer, I had the opportunity to step into the role of Surface Water Quality Intern with Charlotte Stormwater Services. When asked what I hoped to gain, I said, “Exposure.” I craved real-world experience beyond the usual summer job grind—something that involved getting my hands dirty (literally) and learning from experts deeply passionate about water quality. That’s exactly what I got.

My role placed me with the Surface Water Group, which focuses on all things related to 401/404 permits— required for any project impacting jurisdictional streams. I worked alongside my team on site visits, collecting data to help determine if a waterway was considered jurisdictional, and assessing stream quality. This hands-on experience brought me face-to-face with the intricate regulations that protect our waterways.

However, the most challenging (and adventurous) part of the job—aside from the summer heat—was working with the NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) group. Armed with a detailed spreadsheet of coordinates and a tape measure, I mapped out the city’s major outfalls—those with diameters of 36 inches or more, as well as those draining industrial sites. Each day, I would suit up in long sleeves and jeans (not exactly summer fashion, but necessary for fending off mosquitoes, poison ivy, and ticks), venture into wooded areas, and track down these targeted outfalls. Navigating through spider webs and dodging poison ivy, I measured diameters, documented abnormalities, and made notes for follow-up. It was hard work, but I couldn’t help feeling like I was on my own version of a Bear Grylls adventure—minus the camera crew and dramatic survival music.

Not all field work was hard work though- one of the most memorable parts of the summer was my time with Charlotte’s Stream Team. On a stream walk—referred to as “Buggin’” for its focus on collecting macroinvertebrates—we evaluated stream health over 100 meters, noting everything from erosion patterns to root clusters. Watching the team pull tiny creatures from the streambed was fascinating; these little organisms are key water quality indicators.. It was a reminder of how much life depends on clean, flowing water, and I felt privileged to take part in the monitoring process. I was also reminded of the importance of hydration after nearly passing out one day—an embarrassing, but valuable lesson.

In addition to fieldwork, my internship gave me access to various water management facilities, from water treatment plants to elevated storage tanks. One of the most surprising revelations was at the wastewater treatment plant. The fact that treated water can be clean enough to be reintroduced into streams—and even used to brew beer—was a testament to the progress we’ve made in water sustainability. The “Renew Brew” produced by a local brewery using reclaimed water is a bold step towards minimizing waste and promoting sustainability, something I feel passionate about after my studies at NC State.

As this chapter of my life closes, I realize how much this experience has shaped my perspective. I’ve always known I wanted to work in water quality, but now I have a clearer vision of how to make an impact. From networking with professionals to navigating the woods in search of outfalls, this internship gave me a deep dive into the dynamic world of stormwater management. It’s a lot more than just water flowing into drains—it’s about protecting a resource that’s vital to every aspect of life.

Though the early mornings and Charlotte traffic were challenging, the people I worked with made every day worthwhile. I’m grateful for the guidance, camaraderie, and the knowledge I gained along the way. Charlotte Stormwater has shown me that water management is a multifaceted puzzle, and I’m excited to keep piecing it together.

Overall, this internship has been a defining experience, reinforcing my passion for water quality management and sustainability. Moving forward, I plan to leverage the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to pursue a career dedicated to protecting and improving water resources. After graduation, I want to be a part of the battle against the water crisis in a place outside of America, but once I fulfill that dream, I intend to seek opportunities in more local environmental consulting or public water systems, where I can apply my hands-on experience with permits, fieldwork, and water quality assessments. I am also considering advancing my education through specialized certifications or graduate studies to deepen my expertise in stormwater management. This summer has prepared me to tackle new challenges, and I’m excited to continue building on this foundation to create a lasting impact.