Safe Water, Healthy Communities - Why Regulations Matter

Safe Water, Healthy Communities – Why Regulations MatterFeaturing Liesel Gross, Chief Executive Officer, Lehigh County AuthorityRecorded during the PMAA Annual Conference in Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaClean, 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 WebsiteLinkedInLehigh County Authority Website