Authorities on Air

Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA)

4.9 (15)
Government

Authorities on Air is the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA), featuring real conversations with the people behind public service. From drinking water and wastewater to solid waste, recycling and beyond, we explore how municipal authorities—and the professionals who support them—deliver essential services and strengthen communities across Pennsylvania.

5h ago

Live from the PMAA Awards Banquet

Recorded live just before the Awards Banquet at PMAA’s 83rd Annual Conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this special episode of Authorities on Air captures the energy, friendships and excitement of one of the conference’s most memorable evenings. Melissa Radovanic and Lindsay Hughes roll out their own version of the red carpet and invite attendees to step up to the microphones for an unscripted conversation about PMAA, the Annual Conference and the people who make both so special. Along the way, they talk about: The friendships and professional relationships built through PMAAWhy members continue returning to the Annual Conference year after yearThe value of networking, learning and sharing ideas with other authority professionals and partnersThe important work authorities perform every day for their communitiesThe role of communication and public engagement in helping people understand that workLeadership transitions and encouraging the next generation to become involvedA historic PMAA moment as the presidency prepares to pass from one woman to another for the first timeAnd, of course, plenty of orange ties, laughs and red-carpet commentaryIt’s a fun, candid look at the people behind Pennsylvania’s municipal authorities and a reminder that while the Annual Conference is about education and professional growth, it’s also about the relationships and shared experiences that bring the PMAA community together. This episode was recorded live at PMAA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Bethlehem. PMAA Website LinkedIn
5h ago

Live from the PMAA Welcome Reception

Step inside the Welcome Reception at PMAA’s 83rd Annual Conference in Bethlehem for a special episode of Authorities on Air recorded live from Wind Creek. With the microphones open and the reception happening all around us, conference attendees stop by to share what keeps them coming back year after year, including: The value of networking with authority professionals and industry partnersLearning from others who face similar challengesBuilding lasting professional relationships and friendshipsMentoring and supporting the next generation of authority professionalsReconnecting with friends and colleagues from across PennsylvaniaSharing ideas, experiences, and solutionsIt’s an unscripted look at the people and conversations that make the PMAA Annual Conference about much more than educational sessions. It’s about sharing experiences, solving common challenges, making connections, and being part of a community. This episode was recorded live at PMAA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Bethlehem. PMAA Website LinkedIn
Aug 11

Two Seats at the Same Table: How Authorities and Solicitors Work Together

Municipal authorities make important decisions every day, and having the right professionals at the table can make all the difference. In this episode of Authorities on Air, Sharon Purnell, Manager of Hamilton Township Municipal Authority, and Melissa Kelso of Kelso Law, share how a strong relationship between an authority and its solicitor helps support good decision-making, manage risk, and keep projects moving forward. They discuss: The importance of involving legal counsel earlyBuilding trust and communicationWorking through challenging issuesSupporting board decisionsWhy an authority solicitor should be viewed as a partner rather than a roadblockIt’s a practical look at how collaboration between authority staff, boards, solicitors, and other professionals helps authorities better serve their communities. PMAA Website LinkedIn Hamilton Township Municipal Authority Kelso Law
Jun 16

Tapping Into Customer Service at Pittsburgh Water

When most people think about water service, they may think about turning on the tap, paying a bill, or calling when something goes wrong. But behind every bill, every service question, and every customer interaction is a team of people working to keep essential services moving. In this episode of Authorities on Air, Julie Mechling, Director of Customer Service at Pittsburgh Water, talks about what customer service really looks like at one of Pennsylvania’s largest municipal water authorities. Julie shares how Pittsburgh Water supports more than 100,000 accounts, manages customer questions, helps customers understand their bills, and uses technology to improve communication and service. She also explains how tools like advanced meter reading, customer portals, leak alerts, outage notifications, and AI help staff respond more efficiently while keeping the human connection at the center of customer service. Julie also walks through some of the most important customer-focused work happening at Pittsburgh Water, including: Billing and meter readingEmergency dispatchCustomer assistance programsLead service line replacement effortsLeak repair and conservation programsThe role of trained customer service staff in helping residents every day This conversation is a reminder that water service is about much more than infrastructure. It is also about people, communication, compassion, and trust. As Julie says in the episode, the water that comes out of your tap and the wastewater and stormwater systems you rely on are dependable because real people show up every day to protect and maintain them. PMAA Website LinkedIn Pittsburgh Water Website
Mar 4

Smart Water Technology

When you turn on the tap, you expect clean, reliable water. Behind the scenes, today’s municipal authorities are using more than pipes and pumps to keep systems running efficiently and proactively. In this episode of Authorities on Air, we explore what smart water technology means for communities across Pennsylvania. Guest Melissa Rohland of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) explains how tools like smart meters, SCADA systems, and digital twins help authorities: • Monitor systems in near real time • Identify leaks before they become costly emergencies • Plan capital improvements using better data • Improve long-term reliability and performance We also discuss how data, cloud platforms, and artificial intelligence are giving authority professionals stronger tools to protect public health, strengthen infrastructure, and serve their communities more effectively. If you want a clear look at how innovation is shaping the future of water systems, this episode delivers practical insight without the technical jargon. PMAA Website LinkedIn HRG Website
Feb 10

Green Stormwater Infrastructure – City Beautiful H2O: A CRW Story

When it rains, most people do not think about where that water goes or what it carries with it. In this episode of Authorities on Air, we explore how green stormwater infrastructure helps communities manage rainwater in smarter, more sustainable ways. Craig Fahnestock and PMAA President Melissa Radovanic are joined by Claire Maulhardt, Stormwater Utility Director at Capital Region Water and President of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange. Claire shares the story behind City Beautiful H2O, a long-term effort in Harrisburg, PA that combines clean water goals with neighborhood improvements, strong partnerships, and meaningful community engagement. In this episode, you will hear about: What stormwater is and why it matters to water quality and local waterwaysHow green infrastructure captures rain where it falls instead of sending it into pipesThe role communication and trust play in building community supportPartnerships that turn vacant lots, parks, and streets into functional green spacesWhy community ownership is essential to long-term successThis episode highlights how municipal authorities, working alongside residents and partners, can protect water resources while creating healthier, more vibrant communities. PMAA Website LinkedIn Capital Region Water Website
Jan 27

Emergency Response: Authorities on the Front Lines

When a water main breaks, most people only notice when service is disrupted. What they don’t see is the rapid, coordinated response working behind the scenes to protect public health and restore service. In this episode of Authorities on Air, we’re joined by Jeremy Horvath, Executive Director, PMAA Region 6 Director and Jeremy Stultz, Systems Supervisor, PMAA Assistant Region 6 Director from Highland Sewer & Water Authority. They share a practical, real-world look at how municipal authorities prepare for and respond to emergencies, especially water main breaks, across a large and complex service area. In this episode, you’ll learn: What constitutes an emergency for a water authorityHow water main breaks are detected and prioritizedWhat happens from the first call to system restorationHow crews work safely in extreme and unpredictable conditionsHow authorities communicate with customers during disruptionsThis conversation highlights the planning, teamwork, and commitment it takes to keep water flowing, often under challenging conditions and at all hours. PMAA Website LinkedIn Highland Sewer & Water Authority Website Highland Sewer & Water Authority - Facebook
Jan 6

Managing Lost and Non-Revenue Water

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 LinkedIn Lower Saucon Authority Website Lower Saucon Authority - Facebook

4.9

out of 5

15 Ratings

Authorities on Air is the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA), featuring real conversations with the people behind public service. From drinking water and wastewater to solid waste, recycling and beyond, we explore how municipal authorities—and the professionals who support them—deliver essential services and strengthen communities across Pennsylvania.

Creator

Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA)
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Authorities on Air
Show Website

Authorities on Air