Implementing safe drinking water policy for PFAS & Lead Pipes - Alan Roberson, Director of the ASDWA

The Environmental Transformation Podcast with Sean Grady

In this episode of the Environmental Transformation Podcast, host Sean Grady talks with Alan Roberson, Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). Roberson shares insights from over 34 years in water policy, including how ASDWA supports state drinking water agencies, challenges of PFAS regulation, and the impact of federal funding shortfalls on public health protection. The discussion covers drinking water regulations, the role of state labs, infrastructure funding, workforce shortages, and more.

Chapters with Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Background

02:12 – What Is ASDWA and Its Mission

04:33 – ASDWA’s Role in Federal Rulemaking

07:05 – PFAS Regulation Updates and Compliance Timelines

13:42 – State Data Sharing and Collaboration

18:20 – Concerns Over GenX and Short-Chain PFAS

22:01 – Cost of Compliance and Affordability

26:44 – Federal Funding Gaps and SRF Limitations

31:10 – Holding Polluters Accountable

34:40 – State-Level PFAS Standards and Support

38:02 – Lab Testing Capacity and State Limitations

42:35 – Lead Pipe Inventories and Replacement Challenges

46:10 – Regulatory Burdens and Ratepayer Equity

49:20 – Infrastructure Needs and Workforce Challenges

54:00 – ASDWA’s Top Priorities for 2025

57:30 – Final Thoughts and Closing

PFAS drinking water rule, Safe Drinking Water Act, lead pipe replacement, Alan Roberson, ASDWA, EPA drinking water standards, public health and water utilities, SRF funding, UCMR5, GenX chemicals, state drinking water labs, water infrastructure, environmental policy, clean water initiatives, water workforce shortage, environmental transformation podcast