Essential Utilities, Inc. reports developments across regulated water, wastewater and natural gas distribution businesses operated under the Aqua and Peoples brands. The company serves communities across nine states and links its recurring updates to utility infrastructure modernization, pipeline replacement, treatment plant upgrades, monitoring technology and drinking water compliance.
Company news also covers PFAS-related capital planning, operating and financial results, quarterly dividend declarations, material agreements, shareholder matters, governance actions and capital-structure disclosures. These updates reflect a utility holding company whose business is shaped by regulated service territories, long-lived infrastructure assets and recurring investment in water, wastewater and natural gas systems.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has completed its Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary’s $450,000 purchase of the Ulster Municipal Authority water system assets.
The system serves approximately 180 customers in Ulster Township, Bradford County. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved the sale on August 27, 2026. Aqua identified approximately $2 million in needed investment over the next five years. Its planned work includes infrastructure upgrades, repairs and replacements, along with improvements to operations and work to meet regulatory, environmental and cybersecurity demands.
Customers’ base rates will not change at closing; future rate changes require commission approval. Eligible customers will gain access to Aqua’s low-income Customer Assistance Program and Aqua Aid hardship fund. Residents can expect communications outlining service schedules and procedures.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) announced that the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act waiting period for their pending merger expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on August 14, 2026, satisfying one of the conditions to closing.
The companies have also received merger approvals from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (April 21, 2026), the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (May 13, 2026), and the Virginia State Corporation Commission (June 22, 2026), and reached a settlement in principle in Texas. Shareholders of both companies previously approved the transaction. The merger is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to remaining regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) and subsidiaries Aqua Water and Peoples Natural Gas highlight national 811 Day, urging homeowners and contractors to call 811 before any excavation. According to the company, this free, required service helps mark underground utility lines and reduces pipeline damage, emergencies, fines, and outages.
Essential Utilities cites Common Ground Alliance data showing that failure to notify 811 causes more than one in five underground infrastructure damages. The company outlines a three-step process: call 811 at least three business days in advance, wait for markings, and then dig carefully.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) reported Q2 2026 GAAP EPS of $0.37 and non-GAAP EPS of $0.38, versus $0.38 a year earlier, on revenues of $530.9 million, up 3% year over year. GAAP net income was $105.7 million, down from $107.8 million.
First-half 2026 revenues were $1.39 billion, up 7.2%, while net income declined to $330.1 million, or $1.16 per share, from $1.41 per share. The board raised the quarterly dividend 5.25% to $0.3606 per share. Essential invested $662.2 million in infrastructure year-to-date and expects $1.7 billion in 2026, while affirming long-term adjusted EPS growth guidance of 5–7% CAGR through 2027.
The company received merger approvals for its planned combination with American Water from regulators in Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, with closing still targeted for Q1 2027. Rate awards and surcharges in multiple states are expected to add $56.6 million in annual revenues, with additional cases pending for roughly $242.9 million.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) is recognizing National Water Quality Month by highlighting 140 years of water stewardship and outlining major 2026 investments. Its water utility, Aqua, plans to invest approximately $955 million in water and wastewater infrastructure next year.
According to Essential Utilities, these projects will focus on replacing aging water mains, meeting evolving water quality regulations, and upgrading systems to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS and lead. The company emphasizes its long-term commitment to safe, reliable service and environmentally responsible water management.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) announced that its board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3606 per share, representing a 5.25% increase. The dividend is payable on September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on August 11, 2026. The company reports over 80 years of consecutive quarterly dividends and 36 dividend increases in the past 35 years.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG), through the Essential Foundation’s Sure Splash program, awarded $118,500 in 2026 grants to 13 community water safety programs, expanding into Illinois, North Carolina and Virginia. Since launching in 2024, Sure Splash has invested over $245,000 and supported swim and safety training for more than 34,000 children and adults, including lifeguard training and American Red Cross services across Aqua’s 8‑state service territory.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) expects to report financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, after market close on August 4, 2026. Management will host an earnings conference call on August 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET, accessible via live webcast through the Investors section of Essential.co, with an archived replay and a separate replay link provided.
Aqua Pennsylvania (NYSE: WTRG) was awarded $74.3 million in principal-forgiveness and low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to fund multiple PFAS treatment projects across the state.
According to Aqua Pennsylvania, this brings its total PENNVEST funding since 2021 to $270.2 million, with more than $260 million obtained since 2024, supporting infrastructure upgrades aimed at reducing costs for customers.
Nearly $61 million will build a Granular Activated Carbon PFAS system at the Neshaminy Water Treatment Plant, treating 15 million gallons per day for about 62,000 customers by late summer 2028. About $13.5 million will fund PFAS systems at community wells in Chester and Luzerne Counties, benefiting nearly 5,700 customers by fall 2027.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities reported that the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved their proposed all-stock merger, following earlier approvals in Kentucky and Ohio and strong shareholder support. The combined company would serve over 4.7 million water and wastewater customer connections and 740,000 gas connections, operate under the American Water name from Camden, New Jersey, and is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance and remaining public utility commission approvals.