Sustainability in Local Government

When I first started looking for a way to spend my summer productively, the idea of reaching out to a local government about working in my area of focus was not the obvious choice. Most people I know have chosen to take internships for private companies, and I had never heard of someone working with the local government before. But that is exactly what I did, and it led me to an experience that showed me just how much work goes into keeping a town running smoothly. I spent time with Brewster’s Water Department and the Department of Public Works, learning about everything from water testing to recycling, and gaining a better understanding of how local government provides everyday resources to the people in a community.

My Time With the Brewster Water Department

Most of my days were spent with the Water Department. I tested water samples from across town, checking temperature, acidity, and the presence of iron, lead, or other heavy metal contaminants. 

Temperature: While it may not seem like a very important factor of clean water supply, the temperature of the water has large implications on its oxygen content as well as the effectiveness of treatments such as chlorine. 

Acidity: The acidity has an affect on whether water can be safely consumed or not. An acidity outside of the safe range means that there may be a source of contamination somewhere in the system. Testing the acidity at different points in the water main is also a good way to determine how the water changes between the source, in this case wells, and the destination.

Heavy metal contamination: Tests for heavy metal contamination are conducted in labs, which is why it is important to take accurate samples at all of the testing sites. Heavy metals are dangerous to consume and need to be closely monitored. Some metals that are commonly tested for are lead and iron.

These samples were taken from a variety of places—at a house spigot, beside a water tower, and at several points along the street. Water infrastructure runs through every part of town, and maintaining it is both complex and essential.

Another part of the job involved learning how to monitor water levels and regulate the outflow of wells, especially during the summer months when demand is high. The department uses a virtual system that connects to the wells and water towers, and everything has to be precise to ensure the water stays safe and the pressure stays consistent. Touring the well facilities gave me a clearer picture of how the system operates. I helped adjust pH by pouring in lime and saw how iron filtering systems cycle water in a way that reduces waste while still keeping it clean.

The environmental side of the work was just as interesting. Since Brewster’s drinking water is sourced from underground reservoirs, it is important to keep contaminated runoff from reaching the bays and estuaries. The rainwater and seawater that filter through the soil eventually make their way back into these reservoirs, so the surrounding land has to remain protected from contamination. Limiting development near the wells not only preserves water quality but also creates habitat for wildlife. On a construction site, I worked with the crew that was installing water runoff basins to help filter water before it reenters the soil, especially in areas with steep elevation. I also joined a crew as they excavated a new water main for a house, where I learned how they planned out the dig, what machinery to use, and how they avoided obstacles like gas and electric lines. Watching the process of connecting a new home to the town’s water supply made me appreciate how much detail and planning goes into something most people never think twice about.

The Department of Public Works

At the Department of Public Works, I spent time at the town recycling center. My work ranged from directing residents on where to place their items to helping the gate guard scan license plates for valid passes. I also worked the truck scale, weighing larger loads to determine the cost for each delivery. The work gave me a front-row seat to how much effort goes into managing waste responsibly.

This experience left me with a much deeper respect for local government. The people working in these departments do not often get recognition, but their work is what allows a town to function every day. Clean water, safe infrastructure, and organized recycling are not luxuries, they are necessities. Spending time with the crews who make this possible taught me how important it is to maintain these systems and to protect the resources we often take for granted. It also gave me an appreciation for the connection between community, environment, and public service. 

As for the bigger picture of how towns are designed and maintained, urban planning and civil engineering both play a huge role in making sure resources like clean water and waste management remain accessible and sustainable. The work I witnessed showed me how much thought goes into building systems that are efficient, environmentally responsible, and practical for the people who depend on them. It also convinced me that more young people should take the time to learn about their local governments and even volunteer with them. These opportunities are not just about giving back; they are about understanding how a community functions and realizing that every improvement, no matter how small, makes a difference in people’s lives.

If you want to learn more, check out the Brewster Water Department Homepage