Ahead of the Standard with Suffolk County Water Authority CEO Jeffrey Szabo – Part 1

Hosted by Paul Boyce, President & CEO of PWGC, this episode of Environmental Echo brings back Jeff Szabo, CEO of the Suffolk County Water Authority, to explore how SCWA became the first utility in New York to comply with the federal PFAS rule—six years early. They cover emerging contaminants, the high-stakes rollout of 40 AOP systems, and how funding from surcharges, grants, and infrastructure bills is shaping the future of Long Island’s water. It’s a conversation about risk, responsibility, and what it takes to build public trust in every drop. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and stay informed on the latest industry trends! Visit our website for more details or to suggest future topics: https://pwgrosser.com/podcast/ 📌 Chapter Titles: 0:45 | Welcome Back, Jeff Szabo Paul Boyce reconnects with SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo to talk about Long Island's drinking water. 2:10 | PFAS Is Already Here PFAS is no longer emerging. SCWA is already treating to the new federal standard. 6:20 | Tackling 1,4-Dioxane SCWA is building up to 40 AOP systems to meet New York's tough treatment requirements. 10:45 | How It's All Getting Funded Szabo explains the $20 surcharge, grant programs, and lawsuits supporting clean water upgrades. 14:50 | Summer Water Use Is Surging Irrigation is driving up demand. SCWA is managing pressure and pushing conservation. 18:30 | The Aquifer Is Not the Problem We recharge more than we use. The real issue is how the system is built and used.