Essential Utilities Inc. is a publicly-traded water, wastewater, and natural gas distribution company headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA. The company was originally founded as Aqua America in 1968 by the late Nicholas DeBenedictis. It started as a small water utility serving several communities in Pennsylvania. Over the years, Aqua America grew through acquisitions and expansion, becoming one of the largest publicly-traded water utilities in the United States.
As a utility company, Essential Utilities is primarily focused on providing water, wastewater, and natural gas services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. They operate regulated utilities in multiple states across the country, serving millions of customers. The company's mission is to provide reliable and safe water and gas services to communities, ensuring access to essential resources.
In October 2019, Aqua America changed its name to Essential Utilities Inc. to better reflect its diversified operations beyond water services. The rebranding was part of the company's strategic growth plan to expand its services and reach a broader customer base. Today, Essential Utilities operates through two main segments: the regulated water and wastewater segment, and the regulated natural gas distribution segment. Essential Utilities Inc. is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "WTRG."
The company's commitment to water and environmental stewardship is a core part of its values, as it aims to deliver sustainable solutions and ensure the long-term well-being of the communities it serves. Additionally, Essential Utilities invests in infrastructure improvements and modernization to enhance service quality and meet the growing demands of its customer base.