Essential Utilities Names Alicia Beauchamp to Lead Aqua Division’s Environmental Laboratory

Rhea-AI Summary

Essential Utilities has appointed Alicia Beauchamp as the Director of its state-of-the-art water analysis and technology lab. A company veteran with 20 years of experience, Beauchamp's leadership is pivotal for ensuring water quality across eight states where Aqua operates. She has been instrumental in the company’s decision to test and remediate PFAS toxins in drinking water, a move made prior to the EPA's proposed limits. Under her direction, the lab conducts approximately 90,000 water-quality tests annually. Her recent efforts also included crucial laboratory testing following a March 25 chemical spill in the Delaware River. Beauchamp replaces Christine Brisbin, who has retired.

Positive

• Appointment of veteran Alicia Beauchamp as Director enhances leadership in water quality.
• Beauchamp has a proven track record in PFAS testing and remediation.
• Lab conducts nearly 90,000 water-quality tests annually, supporting regulatory compliance.
• Recent leadership helped protect public health during a chemical spill incident.

Negative

• None.

20-year veteran will lead company’s industry-leading laboratory supporting the growing complexities of water quality and regulations

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Essential Utilities today announced Alicia Beauchamp, a 20-year veteran of the company, as Director of its state-of-the-art water analysis and technology lab. The lab is a cornerstone of the company’s work to ensure water quality across the eight states where it operates Aqua water and wastewater services.

Aqua Lab Director Alicia Beauchamp tests water samples from the March 25 Delaware River chemical spill at the company’s Bryn Mawr headquarters. (Photo: Business Wire)

Beauchamp played a significant role in the company’s industry-leading decision to test and remediate PFAS toxins in drinking water, setting a companywide standard for PFAS several years before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a limit on the chemicals.

“New technologies enable us to detect contaminants much more precisely, and that knowledge carries a responsibility to treat what we find,” said Beauchamp. “Sometimes that means taking action before government regulators make decisions on what maximum safe levels should be. We’re very comfortable in that leadership role.”

Most recently, Beauchamp’s leadership extended to supporting the greater Philadelphia region after a March 25th chemical spill in the Delaware River. Beauchamp’s team provided crucial laboratory testing for not only Aqua, but also the governmental agencies and other water providers looking to protect their customers during the five-day incident.

Beauchamp now leads a staff of 19, including 13 chemists and microbiologists. In addition to its groundbreaking treatment research, the lab conducts nearly 90,000 water-quality tests each year.

“Alicia’s strong leadership and focus on innovative water testing continues to be pivotal to our commitment to provide clean, safe, reliable water to all our customers,” said Christopher Crockett, Essential’s Chief Environmental, Safety and Sustainability Officer.

Beauchamp joined Aqua as a co-op student in 1998 and became a chemist with the company in 2001. She’s held numerous positions within the lab, most recently as Chief of Organic Chemistry. Beauchamp earned a Master’s in chemistry from Villanova University and a BS in chemistry from Drexel University.

She replaces Christine Brisbin, who retired.

About Essential Utilities
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.

WTRGG

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230413005242/en/

Media Contact:

Jeanne Russo

Vice President, Communications

Media Hotline: 1.877.325.3477

Media@Essential.co



Investor Contact:

Brian Dingerdissen

Vice President, IR and Treasurer

O: 610.645.1191

BJDingerdissen@Essential.co

Source: Essential Utilities

FAQ

Who is the new Director of the water analysis lab at Essential Utilities?

Alicia Beauchamp has been appointed as the new Director.

What is the significance of Alicia Beauchamp's appointment?

Her leadership is crucial for maintaining water quality and compliance with regulations.

What is the lab's annual testing capacity under Alicia Beauchamp's direction?

The lab conducts approximately 90,000 water-quality tests each year.

What proactive measure did Essential Utilities take regarding PFAS?

The company decided to test and remediate PFAS toxins in drinking water before EPA proposed limits.

What incident did Beauchamp's team respond to recently?

Her team provided critical water testing following a March 25 chemical spill in the Delaware River.