Tides to Taps: Revealing the Mysteries Within Our Waters 

08/14/2025 - Science isn’t just experiments; it's about protecting what matters. At BECQ, Environmental Laboratory specialists work hard to keep our shores safe and our drinking water clean. As a summer intern with DEQ’s Environmental Surveillance Laboratory, I've witnessed firsthand what’s in the water we rely on and why caring for our environment is vital to public health. In an article on monitoring drinking water, ScienceDirect states, “Safe water isn’t just about clarity, it's about ensuring every drop is free from harmful microbes, chemicals, and pollutants.” The article emphasizes that even trace levels of contaminants, like fecal bacteria of heavy metals, can have long-term health consequences if left unchecked. This highlights the importance of lab testing and why microbiology and chemistry testing is so essential. It’s not just data on a spreadsheet; it’s information that safeguards communities from invisible threats.

As a returning intern, I’ve learned that precision and accuracy are vital in the lab. At BECQ, Environmental Specialists are responsible for keeping our coasts safe and our drinking waters clean because if we don't, who will? Within the DEQ Environmental Surveillance Laboratory, the lab is divided into two sections: the Microbiology  section, where marine water samples are tested for enterococci bacteria, and the drinking water samples are tested for total coliform, fecal coliform, and E.coli bacteria. In the Chemistry  section, marine and drinking water samples are tested for conductivity, turbidity, pH, and nutrients within our waters, all of which meet the quality control requirements. During my internship I’ve taken on a variety of tasks.In the Chemistry section, I’ve helped prepare standard solutions in preparation for sample testing—calibrated machines when testing for pH, Conductivity, and Turbidity. I’ve assisted and observed handling samples when undergoing testing for TSS (total suspended solids), Total Nitrate, and Nitrite in our Drinking and Marine Waters. In the Microbiology Section, I’ve assisted in preparing marine samples to be tested for enterococci bacteria by filling dilution blanks and sealing samples to be incubated later. 24 Hours later, I assisted in reading those samples out and uploading data to the respective charts. 

Overall, returning to this internship has deepened my understanding of marine and environmental conservation and the significance each department at BECQ holds in ensuring the public health and beauty of our island. Every task, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture, preserving the health of our environment as well as protecting the people who call it home. 

Reference

Uddin, Galal. “Marine waters assessment using improved water quality model incorporating machine learning approaches.” ScienceDirect, 6 March 2023, Marine waters assessment using improved water quality model incorporating machine learning approaches. Accessed 24 June 2023.

BECQ Environmental Laboratory 

Mentor: Charito Bautista

By: Francine Albuen