Aqua Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities Inc., has successfully completed the acquisition of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority for approximately $18 million. This transaction, finalized earlier this month, allows Aqua Pennsylvania to extend its drinking water services to over 2,900 customers in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
The Greenville Municipal Water Authority serves customers in Greenville Borough, as well as Hempfield and West Salem townships. The acquisition received approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on January 15, 2026, and marks a significant step in Aqua Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts to enhance its service offerings in the region.
Investment in Infrastructure and Services
Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Essential Utilities, emphasized the company’s commitment to the community. He noted, “Our customers in Greenville and the surrounding communities already count on us for safe and reliable wastewater service.” Following this acquisition, Aqua Pennsylvania intends to invest approximately $10 million in upgrades to the local water system over the next decade.
The Greenville water system comprises about 40 miles of water mains. Planned improvements aim to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and cybersecurity standards. Marc Lucca, President of Aqua Pennsylvania, highlighted that this investment is crucial for improving reliability and overall service for customers.
The Greenville Water Authority has been a fixture in the community for over a century. According to board Chairman Tom Strahler, the decision to transfer the system to Aqua Pennsylvania was made to secure long-term stability and access to resources for essential infrastructure investments.
Customer Impact and Support Programs
Customers will not experience any immediate changes to their base water rates following the transaction’s completion. Future adjustments to rates will require approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Additionally, Aqua Pennsylvania customers will gain access to various assistance programs, including the Customer Assistance Program and the Aqua Aid hardship fund.
This acquisition represents Aqua Pennsylvania’s seventh purchase of a water or wastewater system in the past two years, adding a total of 9,655 customers, or 12,420 equivalent dwelling units, to its service base. This expansion aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance water and wastewater services across its operating regions and to ensure that communities have reliable access to essential utilities.
As Aqua Pennsylvania continues to grow, the company remains focused on providing high-quality service and support to its customers, fostering a sustainable approach to utility management in the communities it serves.
