History of Essential Utilities in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 27, 2025

Essential Utilities is an American utility company operating in multiple states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. It provides essential services such as drinking water, wastewater treatment, and natural gas. Essential Utilities ($WTRG) functions as the parent company for Aqua America and Peoples Natural Gas, with both subsidiaries maintaining their original brand identities.

1925: Water to 58 municipalities

By 1925, the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company provided water to 58 municipalities.

1989: Company Incorporation

In 1989, the company was incorporated.

1993: Acquisitions Commence

From 1993 Aqua America completed 300 acquisitions through 2013.

1996: Aqua Pennsylvania becomes part of Aqua America

Aqua Pennsylvania became a part of Aqua America since 1996.

January 1998: Acquisition of West Chester, PA municipal water utility assets

In January 1998, Aqua America, then known as the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (PSW) purchased the West Chester, PA municipal water utility assets.

2003: Purchase of AquaSource

In 2003 Aqua America purchased AquaSource.

2004: Purchases of Heater and Florida Water Services

In 2004, Aqua America purchased Heater and Florida Water Services.

2006: Water systems in the US

In 2006, water was supplied by 55,000 separate water systems in the United States.

2007: Purchase of New York Water Service Corporation

In 2007, Aqua America purchased the New York Water Service Corporation.

2007: Aqua Pennsylvania operating revenue

In 2007, Aqua Pennsylvania accounts for slightly more than half of the operating revenue and provides water services to 50% of the company's total customer base.