BRYN MAWR, Pa. – Essential Utilities Inc. subsidiary Aqua Pennsylvania has finalized the $18 million purchase of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority in Mercer County.
The system serves more than 2,900 customers in Greenville as well as Hempfield and West Salem townships. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved the sale Jan. 15. The acquisition comes a year after Aqua Pennsylvania bought the Greenville Sanitary Authority’s wastewater system.
“Our customers in Greenville and the surrounding communities already count on us for safe and reliable wastewater service,” said Christopher Franklin, Essential Utilities chairman and CEO. “Now they’ll be able to count on us to provide them with the highest quality drinking water. We are committed to investing in upgrades to the water system in Greenville that will bring long-term benefits to our customers.”
Aqua Pennsylvania will invest $10 million in the system over the next decade, which consists of 40 miles of main pipelines, a news release states. Improvements will be made to improve system operations and meet regulatory, environmental and cybersecurity demands. All Greenville Municipal Authority employees have been offered employment at Aqua, pending the company’s standard hiring practices.
“Investing in water infrastructure is not optional; it is essential for drinking water quality,” said Marc Lucca, Aqua Pennsylvania president. “The repairs and upgrades planned for the water system in Greenville will improve reliability and service for our customers at the start and for years to come.”
Tom Strahler, Greenville Water Authority Board chairman, said the decision to sell the water authority, which has served the community for more than 100 years, wasn’t made lightly.
“Our responsibility has always been to ensure safe, reliable water service for our residents – not just today, but for generations to come,” he said. “After careful consideration, we believe this transition positions both our employees and the borough for long-term stability and growth. We are grateful for the dedication of the authority’s employees, past and present, who built and maintained this system with pride. As we move forward, we are confident that Aqua has the experience and resources to continue that legacy of service while investing in the future of Greenville’s water and wastewater infrastructure.”
Customers’ base rates will not change at the closing of the transaction, the release states. Any future rate change will be subject to approval of the PUC. Eligible customers seeking assistance with their water bills will gain access to Aqua’s low-income Customer Assistance Program and the hardship fund, Aqua Aid.
As part of the transition, residents can expect to receive communication from Aqua Pennsylvania outlining service schedules and procedures, the release states.
This is the seventh water and wastewater acquisition Essential Utilities Inc. has completed in the past 24 months, adding 9,655 customers or 12,420 equivalent dwelling units.