Authorities on Air

Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA)

4.9 (14)
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.

9h ago

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

35 min
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

34 min
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

34 min
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

29 min
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

31 min
11/18/2025

Safe Water, Healthy Communities - Why Regulations Matter

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 LinkedIn Lehigh County Authority Website

32 min
10/21/2025

From Trash to Treasure: The Role of Authorities in Recycling & Solid Waste

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 LinkedIn Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority Website

32 min
10/07/2025

Down the Drain – Where Your Wastewater Goes

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 LinkedIn MTMSA Website

45 min
09/23/2025

From Lake to Tap: Erie’s Clean Water Story

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 LinkedIn Erie Water Works Website

48 min
09/07/2025

Telling Your Story: Public Engagement That Works

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 LinkedIn North Penn Water Authority Website

39 min
07/23/2025

Introducing PMAA: Who We Are and Why It Matters

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 LinkedIn

33 min

11 Episodes

4.9

out of 5

14 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

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Authorities on Air
Show Website

Authorities on Air