Press Release

$94,500 donated to more than three dozen volunteer departments this year alone

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 2026-- Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) joins the nation in raising awareness for fire prevention and thanking those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities during emergencies. Today, as we recognize Fire Prevention Week, the company is also highlighting its support of these brave men and women. In 2026, Essential, and its subsidiaries Aqua Water and Peoples Natural Gas, donated $94,500 to benefit 38 volunteer fire departments across our 9-state footprint through the company’s Essential Foundation.

"As providers of water and natural gas, our partnerships with fire departments across our service areas are critical in fire prevention,” said Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin. "From our commitment to ensuring water is flowing to hydrants for firefighting, to providing training and resources for safely responding to gas-related calls, we’re proud to be an important part of how these heroes keep our communities safe every day.”

The grants help fire departments with critical projects such as replacing outdated equipment, investing in new technologies like electric vehicle fire suppression, and providing protective gear for firefighter safety.

Nicholas Samson, the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Sharon Fire Department, expressed his gratitude for the donation and what it means for his community.

"We are especially grateful for Aqua’s continued partnership and recognition of the important work performed by firefighters,” Samson said. "This funding will help support vital equipment, training, and emergency-response needs, strengthening our ability to protect the people, property, and critical infrastructure in our community. Your investment in fire departments makes a meaningful difference in keeping our members prepared and our neighbors safe."

Since 2020, when Aqua and Peoples came together as Essential, the company has given more than $1.7 million to support 190 local fire departments through the Essential Foundation and its S.A.F.E. Program.

To find out how to help your local fire department, please visit the Peoples and Essential Foundation websites for more information and to apply.

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, 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, donating more than $4 million from the Essential Foundation each year, and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting thousands of acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 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.

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Media Contact:
Patrick Wenger
Aqua Communications Manager
Media Hotline: 1.877.325.3477
Media@Essential.co

Source: Essential Utilities Inc.