Authorities on Air

Latest Episodes:

Managing Lost and Non-Revenue Water Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Every drop of water has value, and every gallon lost has a cost.

In this episode of Authorities on Air, we are joined by the team from Lower Saucon Authority to talk about how they successfully manage lost and non-revenue water, and why it matters to the customers they serve.

Recorded live at the PMAA Annual Conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this conversation features Bill Ross, Administrator, Stacey Fetzer, Assistant Administrator, and Bill Reccek, Operations Supervisor. Together, they explain what “non-revenue water” really means, why water loss is a challenge for every utility, and how a small, highly focused team keeps their system performing at an exceptional level.

You'll hear how proactive pipe replacement, daily system monitoring, smart meters, and leak detection technology work together to reduce water loss, control costs, and protect infrastructure. The episode also highlights the importance of educating customers, communicating transparently, and staying vigilant even when performance is strong.

This is a clear, practical look at how thoughtful system care and teamwork help protect public water systems and deliver real value to the community.

PMAA Website

Lower Saucon Authority Website

Lower Saucon Authority - Facebook

Safe Water, Healthy Communities - Why Regulations Matter Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

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

Lehigh County Authority Website

From Trash to Treasure: The Role of Authorities in Recycling & Solid Waste Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

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

Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority Website

Down the Drain – Where Your Wastewater Goes Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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

MTMSA Website

From Lake to Tap: Erie’s Clean Water Story Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

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

Erie Water Works Website

Telling Your Story: Public Engagement That Works Sep 07, 2025

Show notes

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

North Penn Water Authority Website

Introducing PMAA: Who We Are and Why It Matters Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

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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