Authorities on Air
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.
Authorities on Air
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 authority
- How water main breaks are detected and prioritized
- What happens from the first call to system restoration
- How crews work safely in extreme and unpredictable conditions
- How authorities communicate with customers during disruptions
This conversation highlights the planning, teamwork, and commitment it takes to keep water flowing, often under challenging conditions and at all hours.