People Behind the Pipes

1. Describe your job.

I am a Chemist in the Laboratory here at DSRSD. We are responsible for analyzing wastewater, recycled water, and drinking water samples. We also analyze samples to help the wastewater treatment plant operators make treatment decisions and monitor the health of the plant. There is someone working in the lab seven days a week in order to provide data that demonstrates DSRSD complies with all regulatory requirements. I am responsible for some of the more complex instrumentation that analyzes for chemical substances such as mercury, cyanide, and ammonia. I perform preventative maintenance, calibrate instruments, and analyze samples using instruments such as a continuous flow analyzer. We analyze for these compounds to ensure we are meeting requirements set forth in our NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. We also take samples from various parts of the wastewater treatment process so plant operators can see if they need to make adjustments. We analyze a large list of compounds using over 35 different methods to ensure our drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater meet all regulatory requirements.

Environmental Chemist II Heidi Birdsell uses an analytical balance to weigh filters for a total suspended solids analysis. (Photo taken pre-COVID-19 pandemic)

2. What do you like best about your job?

I like the variety each day brings. We have a small staff in the lab so there are a lot of different tests to cover. We provide analytical support for multiple divisions at the District. When Field Operations repairs a pipe or Engineering makes a new connection at a construction site, we confirm the water quality. We analyze drinking water samples on a daily basis and coordinate with Public Affairs to provide data for the Annual Water Quality Report. It gives you a unique view of how everything ties together. At the end of the day, I feel good about what I do. I am helping to protect the environment and our community.

3. How did you get into the water/wastewater industry?

I earned a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry from Eastern Washington University. I enjoyed the lab portion of my studies, so I started working at an environmental laboratory after graduation. I was living in Denver when I saw a job posting for the laboratory at the wastewater treatment plant there. My skills matched up to the job description, so I applied.

After my husband and I moved to the Bay Area, I applied for a temporary lab technician position here at DSRSD in 2018. I wanted to work in the environmental sector again. In 2019, I was hired as a regular employee. Everybody at DSRSD has been great. I am learning a lot about the unique issues that California faces when treating wastewater. When I worked in Colorado, we discharged treated wastewater into a river, so the NPDES permit requirements were different. Here at DSRSD, we recycle a good portion of the wastewater (1.5 billion gallons in 2020) and are a deep sea discharger. Recycled water has different regulatory requirements, so that was the biggest change.

4. What is the biggest challenge of your position?

The state of California recently adopted regulations that impact the Accreditation of Environmental Laboratories. The lab staff is very busy preparing for these upcoming regulations while still analyzing all the samples we receive. The lab conducts about 5,000 tests each year. There is a lot of juggling of responsibilities, but it is an exciting time to be working in the lab. A lot of things are changing, and I love seeing the progress we are making.

5. What is something unique about you?

I am an avid backpacker. I love venturing into nature for multiple days carrying only what I need to survive. You can see so much more than on just a day hike. There is a lot of freedom in disconnecting from the world and just enjoying the walk and the nature around you. My husband and I normally take multiple backpacking trips each year. Since moving to California, we’ve visited Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and Death Valley.

6. What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I like cooking and baking. We eat mostly vegetarian, so I do a lot of Indian food and Mexican food. I like looking through cookbooks and finding different things to try.

I enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and biking. Sometimes I bike to work, which is about 12 miles each way. It’s a good stress reliever.