Acquisition reflects company’s commitment to providing highest quality drinking water service; follows 2025 acquisition of Greenville Sanitary Authority
Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced today its Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary has finalized its $18 million purchase of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority in Mercer County, PA. The system serves more than 2,900 customers in Greenville Borough as well as Hempfield and West Salem Townships. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the sale on January 15, 2026. This acquisition comes one year after Aqua Pennsylvania purchased the Greenville Sanitary Authority’s wastewater system.
“Our customers in Greenville and the surrounding communities already count on us for safe and reliable wastewater service,” said Essential Utilities Chairman & CEO Christopher Franklin. “Now, they’ll be able to count on us to provide them with the highest quality drinking water. We are committed to investing in upgrades to the water system in Greenville that will bring long-term benefits to our customers.”
Aqua Pennsylvania has identified the need to invest $10 million in the system over the next decade, which consists of 40 miles of main pipelines. Improvements will be made to improve system operations and meet regulatory, environmental, and cybersecurity demands. All Greenville Municipal Authority employees have been offered employment at Aqua, pending the company’s standard hiring practices.
“Investing in water infrastructure is not optional; it is essential for drinking water quality,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “The repairs and upgrades planned for the water system in Greenville will improve reliability and service for our customers at the start and for years to come.”
“The Greenville Water Authority has proudly served this community for over 100 years, and this decision was not made lightly,” said Greenville Water Authority Board Chairman Tom Strahler. “Our responsibility has always been to ensure safe, reliable water service for our residents — not just today, but for generations to come. After careful consideration, we believe this transition positions both our employees and the Borough for long-term stability and growth. We are grateful for the dedication of the Authority’s employees, past and present, who built and maintained this system with pride. As we move forward, we are confident that Aqua has the experience and resources to continue that legacy of service while investing in the future of Greenville’s water and wastewater infrastructure.”
Customers’ base rates will not change at the closing of the transaction. Any future rate change will be subject to approval of the PUC. Eligible customers seeking assistance with their water bills will gain access to Aqua’s low-income Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and the hardship fund – Aqua Aid.
As part of the transition, residents can expect to receive communication from Aqua Pennsylvania outlining service schedules and procedures. This is the seventh water and wastewater acquisition Essential Utilities, Inc. has completed in the past 24 months, adding 9,655 customers or 12,420 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs).