Story, video and photos developed by University Communications.

 

M ost people turn on faucets without much thought about how the water gets there.

Until this summer, Avery Lundy of Jones County was one of them.

“We’re dealing with people’s livelihoods and the fact everybody who turns on their tap is affected by what we do here,” Lundy said, standing before a series of computer command screens that would make NASA Mission Control envious.

From there, he can watch the entire process: from water collected in the Ocmulgee River to its filtration at the Amerson Water Treatment Plant. That’s where Lundy is finishing up a summer internship for the Macon Water Authority, which won an award in 2008 for the best tasting water in the country.

Six weeks ago, all the science and supervision required for drinking water was a bit overwhelming for him.

 

Today, Lundy takes visitors around like an expert—pointing to advanced equipment; dangerous chemicals; enormous pipes; pumps and pools—as if he was born for the job.

Chuck Mixon, assistant plant manager, thinks Lundy’s ready, too. When a job becomes available, he said, the recent environmental science graduate is top on his list to hire.

“I’ve been here 20 years in April,” Mixon said, “and I’ve seen a lot of interns come and go. Some good, some bad. Avery stacks up in the top 1%. He’s always asking questions; he’s always working.”

Mixon said he looks for an intern who’s inquisitive, interested and enjoys the work. Anyone can learn to change valves or do paperwork, he said. Mixon likes interns who are hands-on and part of the team.

 

In the future, Mixon would like more interns from Georgia College. He’ll expect to see in them the same work ethic he found in Lundy.

“He’s basically become an all-round water treatment operator, and that’s what I’m looking for,” Mixon said. “He would be great for the Macon Water Authority and for the water industry in general. We need young talent, and Avery could fill a huge hole.”

Still, the job carries a lot of responsibility.

Lundy knows one wrong move could result in contamination or a violation. But he learned a valuable lesson the day he discovered a clogged pipe at the plant. After a coworker took him through the appropriate remediation steps—he learned he can handle it.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be given people who are willing to teach me and show me what this plant is all about and what goes on here,” Lundy said.

His first day on the job was “a mind-flood of information.” Lundy was surprised by the number of government rules regulating the water industry. As the weeks progressed, however, he realized Georgia College had prepared him well.

Originally, Lundy thought he might like to be a health inspector. But, after taking several hydrology classes with Dr. Samuel Mutiti, his interest turned to water.

Mutiti taught students about state standards and how to test water through class projects, like Georgia’s Adopt-A-Stream monitoring program. Lundy broadened his understanding of water issues in biology classes with Dr. Al Mead and in Dr. Bruce Snyder’s soil ecology course.

Georgia College’s liberal arts curriculum made Lundy a well-rounded student. The mathematical skills he learned have been especially useful at the water treatment plant.

He also appreciates the help he got at the Career Center, where his internship was approved, and paperwork finalized.

“Georgia College very much turned me around and opened my eyes to different career paths,” Lundy said. “My major doesn’t require an internship but being in the real world and getting real-world experience is very important to me.”

Internships give students a chance to solve real-life problems, strengthen analytical reasoning and work on vital projects in ways that are transformational, according to Brittany Archer, assistant director of employer relations and internships at Georgia College.

 

That has been the case with Lundy. He feels the experience makes him more employable.

“I definitely think I put my best foot forward by doing an internship,” he said. “Not only does it give me knowledge and skills, but it gives me workplace experience with coworkers and management.”

On a typical day, Lundy uses a computer software system to check water levels, water pressure and make sure all pipes are flowing. He tests water for chlorine every hour, makes reports and contacts maintenance if he sees a problem.

He’s constantly aware of the seriousness of the job, especially in the lab, where workers measure water quality.

They test for bacteria, E. coli, minerals and metals. Naturally occurring minerals, like fluoride can, at high levels, be “very dangerous and dissolve concrete in a matter of minutes,” Lundy said.

Contaminants are collected at the bottom of giant pools.

Clear water filters through layers of sand, rock and carbonated peat. Then it’s stored in 5-million-gallon holding tanks before distribution to homes and businesses throughout Macon.

It’s a process that fascinates Lundy and impresses upon him the significance of his job.

By playing his part, he knows he’s contributing to a fundamental part of civil society.

"Like everyone," Lundy said, "I took water for granted. Coming here has definitely opened my eyes to the importance of water and how much work it takes for us to turn on the tap."

 

“This experience has been very educational,” he said. “From this career path, I can go just about everywhere in the country and find work, because everyone needs water.”