Isabelle Zarsadias: A Summer in Charlotte Storm Water Services: Safeguarding Our City, One Storm Pipe at a Time

It was a scorching July afternoon when I found myself standing in a resident’s backyard, examining a sinkhole the size of my bedroom. As I looked down into the gaping hole, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement, responsibility, and curiosity. This was just one of the many challenges I encountered during my summer with Charlotte’s Storm Water Services division, where I spent three months working to help mitigate flood risks, prevent water pollution, and preserve the natural environment for future generations.

I joined the City of Charlotte’s Storm Water Services division as a summer intern, a position that offered me hands-on experience in one of the most vital yet often overlooked areas of urban infrastructure. This position allowed me to continue learning over the three months and gain a solid understanding of a topic I was previously unfamiliar with. This division, now part of the One Water initiative following its merger with Charlotte Water, operates as a joint municipal and county stormwater utility. One Water was brought together with one goal; To serve the City of Charlotte by improving surface waters and conveying rainwater safely through well-maintained storm drainage systems.

The Work Behind the Scenes

Working in Storm Water Services, I quickly realized that our efforts went far beyond managing storm drains. Each day brought a new challenge, from studying how water moves across the landscape to tracing its path through underground pipes. One of my first major projects involved conducting an Existing Conditions Analysis (ECA)—a process where we evaluate the current state of drainage and land conditions to prevent or resolve water-related issues—which was one of my major tasks. This was more than just a desk job; it required me to be in the field, assessing real-world problems and devising solutions that would protect public safety and the environment.

One project that particularly stood out was an independent ECA I conducted for another property facing similar issues. Throughout this project, a lot of detailed work was required to complete it correctly. Out in the field gathering data or back in the office running calculations, I took responsibility for the entire process. This project helped me see how our daily work makes a real difference in people’s lives. While I enjoyed collaborating with my colleagues to complete my initial ECA, being able to complete an independent ECA was a substantial learning experience for me.

Summer Exploration

I never expected my most memorable moments would come from exploring Charlotte’s water systems with fellow interns. Throughout the summer, I had the unique chance to go on field trips and tours that showcased the different parts of the water treatment process, as well as rotate among various teams within the Storm Water Services division, each demonstrating their vital roles in maintaining our city’s water infrastructure.

At the Catawba River pump station, my favorite tour from the entire summer, I was in awe of the operation that transfers water from Mountain Island Lake to the reservoirs supplying the city. It was remarkable to see how this process directly impacts the daily lives of Charlotte residents.

During my time with the water quality group, I learned about the various types of permitting required and the stormwater control measures needed to effectively remove pollutants from stormwater, which underscored the importance of regulatory compliance in safeguarding our environment. I also worked alongside the erosion control team, assessing construction sites after heavy storms. Wading through ankle-deep mud, I witnessed how they implement erosion control measures to protect local waterways. Engaging with the land development group further opened my eyes to their challenges in balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability. Observing their efforts to incorporate stormwater management solutions into new developments emphasized the importance of preserving our natural resources.

Learning and Growth

The summer wasn’t without its challenges. As someone who is not an engineering student, there were moments when I felt out of my comfort zone. The technical lingo and complex calculations were overwhelming at times. However, each challenge was an opportunity to learn, and my passionate colleagues were always available to answer every single one of my questions on Teams. Through this experience, I not only gained a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of stormwater management—such as coordinating with local utilities and reviewing detailed construction documents—but also developed my professional communication skills and learned how to be an effective mentee. I discovered the importance of asking the right questions and seeking guidance when needed, which helped me navigate the complexities of the field more effectively.

There were also moments of frustration, particularly when tasks or experiences were delayed due to communication issues. But these experiences taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and the ability to adapt in a professional environment. I also discovered a passion for the balance between fieldwork and desk work—something I hadn’t expected going into this internship.

Looking Forward

This summer internship has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in stormwater services. I’m eager to explore more areas within this field, such as stream restoration, which involves repairing damaged rivers and streams to their natural state, and erosion control, which focuses on preventing soil and land from being washed away by water—both critical for protecting our local environment. I’ve come to understand the importance of work-life balance, and I appreciated that this role provided a thoughtful mix of stability and variety, aligning well with my personal interests and career ambitions.

Looking back on my summer with Charlotte Storm Water Services, what fills me with the most pride isn’t just the projects I worked on, but the realization that every task I completed, no matter how small, contributed to something bigger. Whether it was running stormwater flow models or hiking through muddy construction sites to assess drainage, each effort was a step toward protecting the city and its residents from flooding. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing that your work helps safeguard communities and keep our natural environment intact.

Final Thoughts

My summer with Charlotte Storm Water Services was more than just an internship—it was a journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery. I gained valuable technical skills and a clearer understanding of what life might look like after my time with the Wolfpack. I’m excited about the possibility of continuing this work in the future, confident that I can make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.