Bryn Mawr-based Essential Utilities, a water, wastewater and natural gas company, recently announced a $1 billion capital improvement program.
The company will invest $1.3 billion this year and approximately $1.4 billion annually through 2028.
The investment is part of the company’s mission to advance national infrastructure through its water and gas utilities, Aqua and Peoples Natural Gas. Funding will be used to modernize infrastructure across Essential’s nine-state service area, ensure compliance, reduce outages and safeguard the environment.
“One of the greatest challenges facing the United States is the rehabilitation of our nation’s infrastructure,” Christopher Franklin, Essential Utilities chairman and CEO, said. “As a significant water, wastewater and natural gas provider in the country, Essential has a responsibility and opportunity to proactively address this for future generations. Through our expertise and resources, we’re infusing capital into vital systems, driving innovation and improving service reliability for our communities for generations to come.”
A total of $450 million will be used for PFAS research and remediation solutions.
Other plans for this year include replacing more than 3,000 miles of Peoples’ pipelines and replacing 130 miles of Aqua water mains.
Essential Utilities provides water, wastewater service and natural gas to approximately 5.5 million people in nine states.