Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG), Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), formerly known as Aqua America, is a publicly traded provider of water, wastewater and natural gas utility services in the United States. The company operates through a network of regulated utility subsidiaries that deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater treatment to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Through its natural gas segment, Essential Utilities offers distribution services in selected markets, connecting customers to local pipeline infrastructure and providing pipeline safety and maintenance programs.
The company’s water and wastewater operations span a multi-state footprint in the Northeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Essential Utilities serves communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Texas and additional states, partnering with municipal governments and local authorities to manage and upgrade critical infrastructure. Its services encompass water sourcing, treatment, distribution, collection and disposal, as well as customer support, leak detection and meter reading.
Founded in 1886 as a regional water provider, the organization undertook significant growth through mergers and acquisitions over more than a century. In 2018, the company completed the acquisition of Peoples Natural Gas, expanding its energy portfolio. In 2020, the parent entity was renamed Essential Utilities to reflect its dual focus on water and gas utilities. The company maintains an ongoing capital investment program to modernize pipelines, treatment plants and storage facilities in order to meet regulatory standards and support population growth in its service areas.
Essential Utilities is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher A. Franklin, who has more than 25 years of experience in the utility sector. The executive team emphasizes operational excellence, environmental stewardship and community engagement. With a commitment to sustainable practices and regulatory compliance, Essential Utilities continues to prioritize infrastructure resilience, water quality and customer service across its diversified utility portfolio.
