Representatives from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) explained how the department implements the Safe Drinking Water Act. They outlined Arizona’s key water quality programs, and highlighted how each program addresses emerging contaminants, with a particular focus on PFAS, the “forever chemicals.”  The speakers also discussed the testing of domestic family wells and provided status updates on our local lakes, creeks, municipal wells and the recent underground storage tank leaks, followed by audience Q & A.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Randy Matas serves as a Deputy Director in the Water Quality Division at ADEQ. Randy has been with ADEQ in a wide range of leadership roles for 20 years. Currently he oversees the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Aquifer Protection Program and previously has led the hazardous waste, solid waste, underground storage tank, and planning and outreach sections. Randy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Southern Illinois University.

Josephine Maressa serves as a Deputy Director in the Water Quality Division at ADEQ, where she oversees the agency’s Clean Water Act programs. She joined ADEQ over four years ago and previously served as a Unit Manager in the Safe Drinking Water Program before being promoted to Deputy Director in September 2022. Josephine holds both a Master’s Degree and a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School.