Safe Water, Healthy Communities – Why Regulations Matter
Featuring Liesel Gross, Chief Executive Officer, Lehigh County Authority
Recorded during the PMAA Annual Conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Clean, safe drinking water is something most people take for granted. But behind every glass is a complex system of testing, treatment, science, and regulatory oversight that protects public health every single day. In this episode, Liesel Gross, CEO of Lehigh County Authority, talks about why water regulations matter and what it really takes to deliver safe water to more than 270,000 people.

Recorded during the PMAA Annual Conference in Bethlehem, PA, this conversation sheds light on the laws that shaped modern water safety, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act, and explains how authorities put these regulations into practice through constant testing, certified laboratory work, operator training, and systemwide compliance.

Liesel also walks through some important regulatory issues today, including:

• Why thousands of water samples are taken throughout the year.
• The difference between EPA and DEP, and how each agency shapes drinking water standards.
• How science and health research drive regulatory limits.
• What PFAS are and how authorities are working to keep them out of drinking water.
• Lead and copper rules and what they mean for older communities.
• Why public communication and customer cooperation are essential for meeting regulatory requirements.

This episode breaks down how water regulations are developed, why they matter, and how communicating clearly with the community helps keep people informed and protected.

PMAA Website

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Lehigh County Authority Website

What really happens to your garbage after you toss it in the bin? In this episode, we go beyond the curbside to explore the journey of trash and recycling with Amy Schirf (Education Coordinator, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority). From processing waste to sorting recyclables by hand, Amy reveals what most people never see, and how small actions at home can have a big impact.

We talk about the myths, the mess, and the mechanics of modern waste management. You'll hear what materials are accepted in their program, what happens to items that don’t belong, and how education plays a powerful role in changing behavior. If you’ve ever wondered where your trash ends up or how recycling really works, this episode is for you.

Hosted by Craig Fahnestock (PMAA Deputy Executive Director-Member Services), Melissa Radovanic (Vice President, PMAA; Assistant Manager, RDM-Johnstown, Greater Johnstown Water Authority) and Lindsay Hughes (Founder and Chief Strategist, Tapped In Public Relations)

PMAA Website

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Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority Website

Where does your wastewater go after you flush? In this episode of Authorities on Air, we follow the flow with Shannon Drosnock, (Executive Director, Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority). Shannon walks us through what happens underground—from household pipes to pump stations to treatment tanks—and explains how science, strategy, and skilled professionals come together to protect public health and the environment. Along the way, we learn how MTMSA is leading the charge in workforce development, community engagement, and innovative wastewater treatment.

Whether you’re a curious resident, a municipal professional, or someone who just wants to better understand the infrastructure you rely on every day, this episode delivers an eye-opening look at the people and processes behind wastewater management.

 No wipes down the pipes!

Hosted by Craig Fahnestock (PMAA Deputy Executive Director-Member Services) and Lindsay Hughes (Public Relations Manager, North Penn Water Authority).

PMAA Website

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MTMSA Website

What does it take to deliver clean, safe drinking water to an entire region—every single day? In this episode of Authorities on Air, host Craig Fahnestock visits Craig Palmer, CEO of Erie Water Works, for an inside look at one of the country’s oldest and most innovative public utilities.

Erie Water Works has been serving the community for over 150 years, a legacy built on engineering excellence and public service. 

From intake pipes a mile out in Lake Erie to a cutting-edge filtration system, you’ll hear how this team ensures high-quality water reaches over 220,000 people and why their work matters more than ever.
 
Recorded from Erie Water Works' Bayfront headquarters, this conversation touches on infrastructure, climate resilience, public health, community outreach, and one very important message: Tap is terrific!

PMAA Website

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Erie Water Works Website

In this episode of Authorities on Air, Lindsay Hughes (Public Relations Manager, North Penn Water Authority) talks about what it takes to communicate effectively with your community and why public engagement matters more than ever.

Lindsay shares real-world examples of how clear, consistent communication builds trust and discusses practical ways municipal authorities can engage the public without a big budget or a large staff. The conversation also touches on the power of internal communications and how tools like ChatGPT are helping small teams do more with less.

PMAA Website

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North Penn Water Authority Website

Welcome to the debut episode of Authorities on Air, the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA). This podcast is dedicated to telling the stories of the people behind public service—those who keep your drinking water clean, your environment protected, and your community thriving.

In this kickoff episode, host Craig Fahnestock (PMAA Deputy Executive Director-Member Services) is joined by Melissa Radovanic (Vice President, PMAA; Assistant Manager, RDM-Johnstown, Greater Johnstown Water Authority) and Lindsay Hughes (Public Relations Manager, North Penn Water Authority). Together, they speak with Doug Bilheimer, Executive Director of PMAA, about the mission of municipal authorities and the power of member collaboration.

Whether you work for a municipal authority, serve on a board, or simply want to understand more about municipal authorities, this episode is for you. You'll gain insight into the essential services most people take for granted, learn about what municipal authorities do—and why they matter, the role of collaboration, mentorship, and public education and a preview of upcoming episodes featuring real stories from the field. It’s not just an introduction to PMAA—it’s a look at the heart of public service in Pennsylvania.

PMAA Website  

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