Essential Utilities Recognizes National Water Quality Month and Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting and Providing Earth's Most Precious Resource

Company highlights 140 years of water stewardship and plans to invest approximately $955 million in water and wastewater infrastructure in 2026 to support safe, reliable service and address emerging water quality challenges.

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the nation’s largest publicly traded providers of water, wastewater and natural gas services, proudly recognizes Water Quality Month this August. Established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2005, the annual observance highlights the vital importance of clean, safe water to public health, thriving communities and a sustainable environment.

“Water is one of our planet’s most vital natural resources, and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Christopher Crockett, Ph.D., vice president and chief environmental, safety and sustainability officer at Essential. “As environmental stewards, we are committed to safeguarding water at every stage, from source protection and responsible treatment to the safe return of water to the environment. Preserving water quality demands vigilance, innovation and collaboration, and we work every day to minimize our environmental impact while ensuring future generations have access to clean, reliable water. Protecting this precious resource is at the heart of our sustainability mission.”

For 140 years, Essential’s water utility, Aqua, has been a trusted steward of water quality, delivering safe, reliable drinking water through ongoing investments in critical infrastructure, cutting-edge treatment processes and the dedication of skilled professionals. This commitment continues to drive innovation and strengthen the communities Aqua serves.

In 2026 alone, Aqua intends to invest roughly $955 million in water and wastewater infrastructure. These critical projects will support aging water main replacements, compliance with evolving water quality regulations, and system upgrades to address emerging contaminants like PFAS and lead.

“Water connects every aspect of our lives, making its protection one of our most important responsibilities,” said Aqua President Colleen Arnold. “During Water Quality Month, we recognize the incredible efforts of our employees who help keep our communities healthy by maintaining strong, resilient water systems and delivering high-quality service every day.”

Visit AquaWater.com to learn more about Essential's commitment to water quality.

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve, donating more than $4 million from the Essential Foundation each year, and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting thousands of acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at www.essential.co.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which generally include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and similar expressions. The Company can give no assurance that any actual or future results or events discussed in these statements will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements represent its views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from the statements contained in this release. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements relating to the capital, including the timing of capital, to be invested by the water and wastewater divisions of the Company. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with The Company’s business, please refer to the Company’s annual, quarterly and other SEC filings. The Company is not under any obligation - and expressly disclaims any such obligation - to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.