Behind the beakers: A day in the life of Roseville’s Wastewater lab team

Updated August 06, 2025
Before most of us are fully awake, Roseville’s wastewater laboratory team is already deep in public health science: running tests, logging samples, navigating some truly unforgettable odors — all to protect water quality and ensure what goes back into the environment is safe.

By 6:30 a.m., the lab is already humming.

Every day brings a flood of samples from around the city: influent (untreated wastewater coming into the plant), effluent (treated water leaving the plant), recycled water, industrial waste, and even drinking water. 

The team’s job: ensure everything flowing in and out of our treatment plants is safe, compliant, and environmentally sound.

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“We all rely on each other to ensure sample accuracy, timely reporting, and process control decisions,” said Alyssa McCay, Laboratory Analyst. “Teamwork helps catch issues early, handle high-volume days, and maintain consistent quality across the board.”

“Collaboration and the sharing of ideas allow the lab to function more cohesively,” added Rich Stephens, Water Quality Lab Supervisor. “It fosters trust and demonstrates mutual respect, which is essential when the data we produce directly supports public health and regulatory compliance.”

Early mornings, busy days

Daily routines start with equipment checks, prepping reagents, and, for some, coffee-fueled survival rituals.

“Typical day clocks in bright and early at 6:30 a.m., which is just horrid for most (me included),” joked Christopher Boggs, Laboratory Analyst. “Next is the daily ritual of praying to the Keurig to take away all the pain for a moment.”

But once testing begins, it’s all hands on deck monitoring ammonia, Biochemical Oxygen Demand ( it tells you how "dirty" the water is in terms of organic waste, and how hard the microbes have to work to clean it up), solids, and more.

“We work hand in hand with the operations team to make sure the plant is functioning as expected,” said James Krause, Senior Laboratory Analyst. “Wastewater discharge is more regulated than the water you drink, believe it or not.”

“For me,” said Rich, “a typical day is all about protecting the integrity of our lab’s Quality Assurance system by reviewing data, writing procedures, auditing, training, and ensuring that our documentation meets TNI standards (how labs should test things). Without reliable data, none of the critical decisions made downstream would be defensible.”

Science, smells, and surprises

This crew handles everything from routine compliance checks to unexpected … mysteries.

“There are few mysteries here. We see everything you flush down the toilet, Roseville,” said James. “Pet fish, food that could’ve used more chewing, hygiene products ... we’ve seen it all.”

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“I once pulled a stir bar out of a sample bottle and got smacked in the face with sludge and hair,” added Christopher. “It was 8 a.m. and I was questioning all my life choices.”

Even those outside the lab encounter their share of stomach-turning moments.

“Imagine a porta potty … in a jar… in your hands,” said Frank Dittrich, Industrial Waste Analyst. “One time it exploded in my face." 

Frank was okay in the end, but it’s a reminder that the job comes with risks, and staff take every precaution to protect their health and safety.
 
The smell files

Nothing bonds a team quite like shared suffering especially when it smells like fermented nightmares.  It comes with the job: odors that defy logic, substances that defy explanation, and stories you can’t unhear (or un-smell). We asked a few team members to share their thoughts on… well, let’s call it the sensory side of the job:

“Primary sludge, without question,” said Fanny. “It splashed on me one day, forcing me to leave and shower immediately.”

“Primary sludge is an olfactory onslaught,” added James. “Sometimes we open the doors to let in the ‘fresh’ wastewater treatment plant air.”

“It’s like if a raccoon stole a tub of Greek yogurt, hid in the rafters, ate the whole thing, died from heat exhaustion, and has been up there since 1988,” said Christopher. “Pretty gnarly, right?”

“FOG… looks and smells like rancid puke,” said Melissa Parks, Laboratory Analyst. “It’s not great.”

“The smells, believe it or not, you get used to,” said Rich. “For me, it’s the sights and experiences that live on in memory.”

Superheroes in lab coats

Despite the mess, the team finds pride in their work.

“My lab coat protects me from my kryptonite, primary sludge,” said Christopher. “It’s blue, long, and flows gently in the wind like Superman’s.”

“My lab coat signifies professionalism and commitment to doing the dirty job no one else wants to do,” said Melissa.

“It’s more of a super suit,” added James. “Not the most comfortable, but we wear it for the greater good.”

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“It symbolizes the positive impact I hope to have on the environment,” said Fanny. “I want to leave things safer for my children and generations to come.”

“I may not have a lab coat,” said Frank, “but I’m told I look fabulous in my Roseville Red polo.”

Why it matters

Through jokes, spills, and strange sample jars, one thing is clear is this team cares deeply about their work.

“We produce data every single day, and we can tell when something doesn’t look right,” said Melissa. “I’m proud that our data helps keep the facility in compliance and protects the public.”

“A stagnant, reactive lab is a dead lab,” said Christopher. “We’re proactive. We care.”

“Our work isn’t just about protecting permits,” added Frank. “It’s about protecting our people, our infrastructure, and our environment.”

“Being part of water reuse is something we’re all proud of,” said Rich. “It may not be your kid, but it’s someone’s kid swimming in the water we’re discharging. We are stewards. It’s a privilege to help ensure that water is safe for the environment and for public health.

So next time you turn on the tap or flush the toilet, give a quiet thanks to Roseville’s wastewater lab team. They’re not just running tests, they’re safeguarding our city, one sample at a time.

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