Essential Utilities Comment on Today’s EPA Proposal On a Maximum Contaminant Level for PFAS Toxins

Rhea-AI Summary

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) announced significant developments regarding PFAS 'forever chemicals' in drinking water. The EPA proposed a maximum PFAS level for the U.S., expecting finalization by early next year. Essential has proactively tested its water systems for over six years. Customers will soon access local PFAS levels on the company's website. Additionally, they are advocating for cost recovery from responsible parties through lawsuits and applying for grants to alleviate customer expenses. Essential's commitment to transparency and environmental stewardship underscores its leadership in water quality.

Positive

• Proactive testing for PFAS in water systems for over six years.
• Customers will access local PFAS levels via the website by year-end.
• Leadership in advocating for cost recovery from responsible parties.
• Applying for grants to reduce customer cleanup costs.

Negative

• None.

Aqua Water business – already helping states fight forever chemicals – announces next steps in advocating on behalf of customers

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Chris Franklin shared the following comments today:

“Today is an important day.

“This morning, the EPA proposed a maximum level for PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water for the United States. They expect to set a final limit by the end of this year or early next year. We welcome the government to the fight against these toxins as we begin the work to meet these standards.

“As many of you know, Essential didn’t wait for today to act on PFAS ‘forever chemicals’. Our Aqua business been testing its water systems for PFAS more than six years ago, and we’ve been treating water that exceeds 13 parts per trillion.

“And today we’re announcing that we will make those test results available to all our customers. Anyone who is an Aqua customer will be able to see their local PFAS levels by the end of this year on our website. We lead the industry in this level of service.

“We are also advocating for our customers so that the cleanup costs are paid for by companies and others who created this situation. We’ve filed lawsuits against the chemical manufacturers and others who are responsible for PFAS chemicals entering watersheds and groundwater wells. And we’re actively applying for grants to reduce overall costs to customers.

“We’re sharing information on how our customers can help us win these lawsuits so that ratepayers don’t bear the burden of paying for this cleanup. Go to AquaWater.com/PFAS to see how you can help make sure the companies and organizations who did this will pay for the cleanup.

“We look forward to continuing our leadership in this area on behalf of our customers.”

About Essential

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) delivers safe, clean, 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 and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005837/en/

Media:

Jeanne Russo

Vice President, Communications

Media Hotline: 1.877.325.3477

Media@Essential.co

Source: Essential Utilities

FAQ

What recent action did Essential Utilities (WTRG) take regarding PFAS chemicals?

Essential Utilities announced that it has been testing for PFAS for over six years and will make test results available to customers by the end of the year.

When does the EPA plan to finalize PFAS regulations?

The EPA expects to set a final limit for PFAS chemicals by the end of this year or early next year.

How is Essential Utilities (WTRG) advocating for its customers concerning PFAS cleanup costs?

Essential Utilities is filing lawsuits against chemical manufacturers responsible for PFAS contamination and applying for grants to help reduce cleanup costs for customers.

How can Aqua Water customers check their local PFAS levels?

Customers can view their local PFAS levels on the Aqua Water website, which will be updated by the end of this year.