X-Cel Conservation Corps Wraps Up a Successful Water Monitoring Season

NepRWA recently wrapped up another great season with the X-Cel Conservation Corps, whose mission is to help Boston youth build skills and careers in water management and conservation.

Through hands-on fieldwork, workforce training, and paid internships, X-Cel prepares students for careers that protect our environment and support their long-term success.

After learning sampling techniques at the NepRWA office, the group visits 10 unique sites and collects water samples for bacteria and pH testing, along with measurements for temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other stream conditions.

*Dissolved oxygen measurements are taken in the field using a handheld probe.*

Once the samples and field data are collected, the students return to the NepRWA office to process and analyze their results. Using a pH meter, they test the pH of each sample.

To test for bacteria, the students prepare the samples and incubate them overnight, before checking the results.

*Testing water samples at the NepRWA office using a pH meter.*

A Successful Partnership Program

NepRWA’s partnership program with the X-Cel Conservation Corp gives students real-world science experience while helping us to better understand the health and resilience of our local waterways.

*Each year, from May through October, about 20 X-Cel students join us once a month to monitor water quality across the Neponset Watershed.*

A big thank you to all of the X-Cel Conservation Corps students for their enthusiasm and hard work — and to Don Sands and Lisa Holden for their leadership and support throughout the season.