Aqua Pennsylvania Completes $450,000 Acquisition of Ulster Water System
Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has announced that its Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary has finalized the $450,000 acquisition of the water system assets of the Ulster Municipal Authority in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. The transaction expands Aqua Pennsylvania’s customer base and brings the company’s water infrastructure expertise and investment resources to residents of Ulster Township.
The acquired system currently serves approximately 180 customers in the township. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the transaction on August 27, 2026, allowing the sale to proceed and Aqua Pennsylvania to assume responsibility for operating and maintaining the water system.
The acquisition is part of Essential Utilities’ broader approach to strengthening local water infrastructure through investment, professional management and long-term system improvements. Following the transaction, Aqua Pennsylvania has identified approximately $2 million in capital investments that it expects to make in the Ulster system over the next five years.
Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin welcomed the new customers and emphasized the importance of dependable water service for the community.
“We welcome our new customers in Ulster Township to the Essential family,” said Franklin. “Water plays an important role in everyday life, and we are committed to making the necessary investments to ensure safe and reliable drinking water for this community 24/7.”
The planned investment program will focus on addressing infrastructure needs identified during Aqua Pennsylvania’s initial assessment of the system. The company said necessary upgrades will be made to strengthen the water infrastructure and improve the system’s overall reliability.
Aqua Pennsylvania also expects to invest in operational improvements and measures designed to help the system meet regulatory, environmental and cybersecurity requirements. These efforts are intended to support the long-term performance of the system while ensuring that customers continue to receive water service that meets applicable standards.
Marc Lucca, president of Aqua Pennsylvania, said the company identified several facilities requiring repair or replacement during its initial inspection. Addressing those facilities will be among Aqua’s early priorities following the completion of the acquisition.
“We learned during our initial inspection that some of the facilities are in need of repair and replacement, which will be a focus of our initial efforts,” Lucca said.
He added that customers will gain access to Aqua Pennsylvania’s trained water professionals and the company’s operational resources.
“Residents will benefit from a highly trained staff of water professionals who provide high-quality drinking water and service,” Lucca said. “We want our customers in Ulster to have peace of mind knowing that when they turn on the tap, water is flowing. Aqua has the leadership and resources to improve the water system, and we look forward to serving this community for years to come.”
For existing customers of the Ulster Municipal Authority, the transaction does not immediately change base water rates. Aqua Pennsylvania confirmed that customers’ base rates will remain unchanged at the closing of the transaction. Any future changes to rates would require review and approval by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
The transition also provides eligible customers with access to assistance programs designed to help households experiencing financial difficulties with their water bills. Customers who meet applicable requirements will be able to access Aqua’s low-income Customer Assistance Program, commonly known as CAP, as well as Aqua Aid, the company’s hardship fund.
In addition to financial assistance programs, customers will gain access to Aqua Pennsylvania’s customer service resources and digital tools. Through Aqua’s ePortal and mobile application, customers can manage their accounts, pay water bills, track usage and access other services.
The transaction has also received support from local and state officials, who highlighted the potential benefits of bringing additional resources and investment to the Ulster water system.
State Senator Gene Yaw said Aqua’s involvement would provide additional resources and professional expertise while helping address infrastructure requirements.
“This investment by Aqua brings additional resources and professional expertise to the Ulster water system, helping to address infrastructure needs while providing residents with reliable service for years to come,” Yaw said. He added that he was pleased to see the transition move forward and expected it to provide benefits to local customers.
State Representative Tina Pickett also welcomed the transaction, describing the acquisition as a long-term investment in the community’s water infrastructure.
“Aqua’s purchase of the water system represents a long-term investment in safe, high-quality water for all residents of Ulster,” Pickett said. She also noted Aqua’s commitment to facility upgrades and reliable water access for homes and businesses.
The Ulster Municipal Authority likewise expressed support for the transaction. Chairman Frank Walker said the Authority believes the sale provides a path toward the long-term sustainability of the water system while bringing a higher level of operational support to the community.
“We welcome Aqua to our community and are confident that they will bring a high-level of service to our residents while investing in the future of Ulster’s water infrastructure,” Walker said. “The Authority believes this sale is the best option for long-term sustainability of the water system, and we look forward to our partnership with Aqua.”
As the transition progresses, residents will receive additional communications from Aqua Pennsylvania outlining service schedules, procedures and other information related to the change in system ownership and operation.
The acquisition adds approximately 180 customers to Aqua Pennsylvania’s operations in Bradford County while establishing a five-year investment program focused on infrastructure rehabilitation, operational improvements, regulatory compliance and system resilience. With the transaction now complete, Aqua Pennsylvania will oversee the water system and work toward implementing the improvements identified through its initial assessment.
For Ulster Township residents, the transition is expected to provide access to a larger water utility organization, expanded customer service resources and financial assistance programs, while Aqua Pennsylvania works to address existing infrastructure needs and support reliable drinking water service over the long term.
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