<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--XBRL document created by Certent Disclosure Management 6.36.2.2 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 2/28/2020 4:15:27 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 2/28/2020 4:15:27 PM-->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-roles-2019-01-31.xsd#eedm" roleURI="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalization" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalization"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalizationParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalizationParenthetical"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatements" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatements"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanTables" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanTables"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsTables" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsTables"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfChangesInGoodwillDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfChangesInGoodwillDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureAcquisitionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureDispositionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureDispositionsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureAccountsReceivableNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivableNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesComponentsOfRegulatoryAssetsAndRegulatoryLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesComponentsOfRegulatoryAssetsAndRegulatoryLiabilitiesDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureLeasesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLeasesNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableScheduleOfLongTermDebtFutureSinkingFundPaymentsAndDebtMaturitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableScheduleOfLongTermDebtFutureSinkingFundPaymentsAndDebtMaturitiesDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableSummaryOfAmountsRecognizedInEarningsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableSummaryOfAmountsRecognizedInEarningsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebtDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAndEquityPerCommonShareNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAndEquityPerCommonShareNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanScheduleOfPerformanceGoalsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanScheduleOfPerformanceGoalsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfCompensationCostsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfCompensationCostsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfValueOfStockAwardsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfValueOfStockAwardsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedPsuTransactionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedPsuTransactionsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedRsuTransactionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedRsuTransactionsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanAssumptionsUsedInPricingModelDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanAssumptionsUsedInPricingModelDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfOptionsOutstandingAndOptionsExercisableDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfOptionsOutstandingAndOptionsExercisableDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfStockOptionsExercisedAndVestedDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfStockOptionsExercisedAndVestedDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedShareActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedShareActivityDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfBenefitPaymentsOfExpectedFutureServiceDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfBenefitPaymentsOfExpectedFutureServiceDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInBenefitObligationAndFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInBenefitObligationAndFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetLiabilityRecognizedOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetLiabilityRecognizedOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostThatWillBeAmortizedDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostThatWillBeAmortizedDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfAssumptionsRelatedToPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfAssumptionsRelatedToPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfTargetAssetAllocationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfTargetAssetAllocationsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureWaterAndWastewaterRatesDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureWaterAndWastewaterRatesDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#DisclosureSegmentInformationCompanySSegmentInformationContinuingOperationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationCompanySSegmentInformationContinuingOperationsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsNarrativeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails"></roleRef>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDebtMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDebtMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtDetails"></roleRef>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension"></arcroleRef>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain"></arcroleRef>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default"></arcroleRef>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all"></arcroleRef>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member"></arcroleRef>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="Extensible Enumeration Domain Members"></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00090 - Document - Document And Entity Information">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_637185033217833304"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_637185033217833304" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentAnnualReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentAnnualReport"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentAnnualReport" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="27" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="28" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="29" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="30" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="31" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="dei_EntityPublicFloat"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="32" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityPublicFloat" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="33" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentsIncorporatedByReferenceTextBlock" xlink:label="dei_DocumentsIncorporatedByReferenceTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="34" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentsIncorporatedByReferenceTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalization" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00400 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637185033217877944"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_637185033217877944" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesOneMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesOneMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesOneMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTwoMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTwoMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTwoMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesThreeMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesThreeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesThreeMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFourMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFourMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFourMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFiveMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFiveMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFiveMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSixMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSixMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSixMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSevenMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSevenMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSevenMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesEightMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesEightMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesEightMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesNineMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesNineMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesNineMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTenMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTenMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTenMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NotesPayableUnderRevolvingCreditMember" xlink:label="wtrg_NotesPayableUnderRevolvingCreditMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_NotesPayableUnderRevolvingCreditMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BankNotesCMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BankNotesCMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BankNotesCMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BankNotesBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BankNotesBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BankNotesBMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizingNotesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizingNotesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizingNotesMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_UnsecuredNotesBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_UnsecuredNotesBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_UnsecuredNotesBMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BankNotesDMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BankNotesDMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BankNotesDMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NotesRangingFromFivePointZeroOnePercentageToFivePointNineFivePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_NotesRangingFromFivePointZeroOnePercentageToFivePointNineFivePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_NotesRangingFromFivePointZeroOnePercentageToFivePointNineFivePercentageMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermNotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLongTermNotesPayable"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLongTermNotesPayable" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNoncurrent" xlink:label="wtrg_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="wtrg_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalizationParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00405 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization (Parenthetical)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_637185033217917622"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_637185033217917622" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesOneMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesOneMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesOneMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTwoMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTwoMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTwoMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesThreeMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesThreeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesThreeMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFourMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFourMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFourMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFiveMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFiveMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesFiveMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSixMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSixMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSixMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSevenMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSevenMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesSevenMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesEightMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesEightMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesEightMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesNineMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesNineMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesNineMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTenMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTenMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtOfSubsidiariesTenMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NotesPayableUnderRevolvingCreditMember" xlink:label="wtrg_NotesPayableUnderRevolvingCreditMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_NotesPayableUnderRevolvingCreditMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BankNotesCMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BankNotesCMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BankNotesCMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BankNotesBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BankNotesBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BankNotesBMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizingNotesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizingNotesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizingNotesMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_UnsecuredNotesBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_UnsecuredNotesBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_UnsecuredNotesBMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BankNotesDMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BankNotesDMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BankNotesDMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NotesRangingFromFivePointZeroOnePercentageToFivePointNineFivePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_NotesRangingFromFivePointZeroOnePercentageToFivePointNineFivePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_NotesRangingFromFivePointZeroOnePercentageToFivePointNineFivePercentageMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateYear" xlink:label="wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateYear"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateYear" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00500 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Equity">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637185033217942422"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637185033217942422" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValuePurchaseOfAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValuePurchaseOfAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValuePurchaseOfAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensation"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensation" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TreasuryStockReissuedAtLowerThanRepurchasePriceShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="wtrg_TreasuryStockReissuedAtLowerThanRepurchasePriceShareBasedCompensation"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_TreasuryStockReissuedAtLowerThanRepurchasePriceShareBasedCompensation" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatements" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="12101 - Schedule - Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_637185033218046581"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_637185033218046581" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="srt_ParentCompanyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialInformationOfParentCompanyOnlyDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialInformationOfParentCompanyOnlyDisclosureTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialInformationOfParentCompanyOnlyDisclosureTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31503 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Tables)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637185033218061462"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637185033218061462" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockAwardsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_StockAwardsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_StockAwardsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetricsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetricsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetricsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValueTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValueTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValueTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValueTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedShareActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedShareActivityTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedShareActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31603 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_637185033218076342"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_637185033218076342" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostAmortized" xlink:label="wtrg_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostAmortized"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostAmortized" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ScheduleOfTargetAssetAllocationsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="wtrg_ScheduleOfTargetAssetAllocationsTableTextBlock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ScheduleOfTargetAssetAllocationsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40101 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_637185033218096184"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_637185033218096184" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnregulatedOperationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnregulatedOperationMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnregulatedOperationMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_637185033218101143"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_637185033218101143" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_PA" xlink:label="stpr_PA"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_PA" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherStateMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherStateMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherStateMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_637185033218106102"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_637185033218106102" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_JointVentureMember" xlink:label="wtrg_JointVentureMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_JointVentureMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_637185033218106102"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_637185033218106102" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PercentageOfOperatingRevenueFromLargestOperatingSubsidiary" xlink:label="wtrg_PercentageOfOperatingRevenueFromLargestOperatingSubsidiary"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_PercentageOfOperatingRevenueFromLargestOperatingSubsidiary" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PercentageOfNetIncomeFromLargestOperatingSubsidiary" xlink:label="wtrg_PercentageOfNetIncomeFromLargestOperatingSubsidiary"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_PercentageOfNetIncomeFromLargestOperatingSubsidiary" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfCountiesProvidingOperatingServices" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfCountiesProvidingOperatingServices"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfCountiesProvidingOperatingServices" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfStatesProvidingServicesInOtherThanPennsylvania" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfStatesProvidingServicesInOtherThanPennsylvania"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfStatesProvidingServicesInOtherThanPennsylvania" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfCustomers" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfCustomers"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfCustomers" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmortizationOfAcquisitionAdjustments" xlink:label="wtrg_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmortizationOfAcquisitionAdjustments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmortizationOfAcquisitionAdjustments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_CapitalizedCostsIncludedInPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="wtrg_CapitalizedCostsIncludedInPropertyPlantAndEquipment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_CapitalizedCostsIncludedInPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionEquityCostsCapitalizedOnlyForRateMakingPurposes" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionEquityCostsCapitalizedOnlyForRateMakingPurposes"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAmountOfAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionEquityCostsCapitalizedOnlyForRateMakingPurposes" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedInterest"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedInterest" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankAcceptancesExecutedAndOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_BankAcceptancesExecutedAndOutstanding"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BankAcceptancesExecutedAndOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizationPeriodOfTaxRepairCatchUpAdjustment" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizationPeriodOfTaxRepairCatchUpAdjustment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizationPeriodOfTaxRepairCatchUpAdjustment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AssetsAndLeaseLiability" xlink:label="wtrg_AssetsAndLeaseLiability"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="wtrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AssetsAndLeaseLiability" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40102 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Disaggregation Of Revenue) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_637185033218145782"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_637185033218145782" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ResidentialMember" xlink:label="wtrg_ResidentialMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_ResidentialMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_CommercialMember" xlink:label="wtrg_CommercialMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_CommercialMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FireProtectionMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FireProtectionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FireProtectionMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_IndustrialMember" xlink:label="wtrg_IndustrialMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_IndustrialMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherWaterMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherWaterMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherWaterMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherWastewaterMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherWastewaterMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherWastewaterMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AlternativeRevenueProgramMember" xlink:label="wtrg_AlternativeRevenueProgramMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_AlternativeRevenueProgramMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherUtilityMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherUtilityMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherUtilityMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637185033218155702"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_637185033218155702" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_WaterMember" xlink:label="wtrg_WaterMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_WaterMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_WastewaterMember" xlink:label="wtrg_WastewaterMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_WastewaterMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_637185033218160662"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_637185033218160662" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfChangesInGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40103 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Changes In Goodwill) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637185033218170584"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637185033218170584" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherSegmentMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherSegmentMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherSegmentMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ReclassificationOfGoodwillAcquisitionAdjustment" xlink:label="wtrg_ReclassificationOfGoodwillAcquisitionAdjustment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ReclassificationOfGoodwillAcquisitionAdjustment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillOtherIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillOtherIncreaseDecrease"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillOtherIncreaseDecrease" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_PA" xlink:label="stpr_PA"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_PA" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LimerickMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LimerickMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LimerickMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_637185033218180505"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_637185033218180505" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_637185033218180505"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_637185033218180505" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TwoThousandSeventeenAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="wtrg_TwoThousandSeventeenAcquisitionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_TwoThousandSeventeenAcquisitionMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterUtilitySystemsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterUtilitySystemsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterUtilitySystemsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LdcFundingLlcMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LdcFundingLlcMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LdcFundingLlcMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_WastewaterUtilitySystemMember" xlink:label="wtrg_WastewaterUtilitySystemMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_WastewaterUtilitySystemMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DelawareCountyRegionalWaterQualityControlAuthorityMember" xlink:label="wtrg_DelawareCountyRegionalWaterQualityControlAuthorityMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_DelawareCountyRegionalWaterQualityControlAuthorityMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BusinessAcquisitionGeographicalLocationNumberOfMunicipalities" xlink:label="wtrg_BusinessAcquisitionGeographicalLocationNumberOfMunicipalities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_BusinessAcquisitionGeographicalLocationNumberOfMunicipalities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfCustomers" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfCustomers"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfCustomers" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfRetailCustomers" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfRetailCustomers"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfRetailCustomers" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BusinessAcquisitionGeographicalLocationNumberOfStates" xlink:label="wtrg_BusinessAcquisitionGeographicalLocationNumberOfStates"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_BusinessAcquisitionGeographicalLocationNumberOfStates" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BusinessCombinationIncreasedDecreaseInRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="wtrg_BusinessCombinationIncreasedDecreaseInRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_BusinessCombinationIncreasedDecreaseInRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfWastewaterSystems" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfWastewaterSystems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfWastewaterSystems" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BridgeLoan" xlink:label="us-gaap_BridgeLoan"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BridgeLoan" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureDispositionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40301 - Disclosure - Dispositions (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DisposalGroupByLocationTable" xlink:label="wtrg_DisposalGroupByLocationTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_DisposalGroupByLocationTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_VA" xlink:label="stpr_VA"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_VA" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_DisposalGroupByLocationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_637185033218220184"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_637185033218220184" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DiscontinuedOperationsAndOtherDispositionsLineItems" xlink:label="wtrg_DiscontinuedOperationsAndOtherDispositionsLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_DiscontinuedOperationsAndOtherDispositionsLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DisposalGroupByLocationTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfCustomers" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfCustomers"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_DiscontinuedOperationsAndOtherDispositionsLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfCustomers" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DisposalGroupNumberOfBusinessUnits" xlink:label="wtrg_DisposalGroupNumberOfBusinessUnits"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_DiscontinuedOperationsAndOtherDispositionsLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DisposalGroupNumberOfBusinessUnits" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="wtrg_DiscontinuedOperationsAndOtherDispositionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="wtrg_DiscontinuedOperationsAndOtherDispositionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40401 - Disclosure - Property, Plant And Equipment (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="srt_WeightedAverageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_WeightedAverageMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637185033218264826"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637185033218264826" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_MainsAndAccessoriesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_MainsAndAccessoriesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_MainsAndAccessoriesMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ServicesHydrantsTreatmentPlantsAndReservoirsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_ServicesHydrantsTreatmentPlantsAndReservoirsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_ServicesHydrantsTreatmentPlantsAndReservoirsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OperationsStructuresAndWaterTanksMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OperationsStructuresAndWaterTanksMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OperationsStructuresAndWaterTanksMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_MiscellaneousPumpingAndPurificationEquipmentMember" xlink:label="wtrg_MiscellaneousPumpingAndPurificationEquipmentMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_MiscellaneousPumpingAndPurificationEquipmentMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_MetersDataProcessingTransportationAndOperatingEquipmentMember" xlink:label="wtrg_MetersDataProcessingTransportationAndOperatingEquipmentMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_MetersDataProcessingTransportationAndOperatingEquipmentMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NetUtilityPlantAcquisitionAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="wtrg_NetUtilityPlantAcquisitionAdjustmentMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_NetUtilityPlantAcquisitionAdjustmentMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NonUtilityPlantAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="wtrg_NonUtilityPlantAndEquipmentMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_NonUtilityPlantAndEquipmentMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NonUtilityPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="wtrg_NonUtilityPlantAndEquipment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NonUtilityPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivableNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - Accounts Receivable (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_PA" xlink:label="stpr_PA"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_PA" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_OH" xlink:label="stpr_OH"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_OH" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_NC" xlink:label="stpr_NC"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_NC" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_TX" xlink:label="stpr_TX"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_TX" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_IL" xlink:label="stpr_IL"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_IL" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_UtilityCustomersByGeographicOperatingSegmentPercentage" xlink:label="wtrg_UtilityCustomersByGeographicOperatingSegmentPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_UtilityCustomersByGeographicOperatingSegmentPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Regulatory Assets And Liabilities (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_637185033218284664"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_637185033218284664" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PostretirementBenefitCostsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PostretirementBenefitCostsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PostretirementBenefitCostsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_637185033218289626"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_637185033218289626" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RegulatoryAssetRecoveryPeriod" xlink:label="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetRecoveryPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetRecoveryPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizationOfDeferredRepairTaxAdjustment" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizationOfDeferredRepairTaxAdjustment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizationOfDeferredRepairTaxAdjustment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TaxAdjustmentAmortizationPeriod" xlink:label="wtrg_TaxAdjustmentAmortizationPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_TaxAdjustmentAmortizationPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizationOfDeferredRepairTaxAdjustmentImpactOnNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizationOfDeferredRepairTaxAdjustmentImpactOnNetIncomeLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizationOfDeferredRepairTaxAdjustmentImpactOnNetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_WaterTankPaintingCostsAmortizedOverPeriod" xlink:label="wtrg_WaterTankPaintingCostsAmortizedOverPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_WaterTankPaintingCostsAmortizedOverPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateYear" xlink:label="wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateYear"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateYear" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizataionPeriodOfRateCaseFilingExpense" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizataionPeriodOfRateCaseFilingExpense"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizataionPeriodOfRateCaseFilingExpense" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear" xlink:label="wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesComponentsOfRegulatoryAssetsAndRegulatoryLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40602 - Disclosure - Regulatory Assets And Liabilities (Components Of Regulatory Assets And Regulatory Liabilities) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="wtrg_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_CustomerRefundsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_CustomerRefundsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_CustomerRefundsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PostretirementBenefitCostsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PostretirementBenefitCostsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PostretirementBenefitCostsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RecoverableVacationPayMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RecoverableVacationPayMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RecoverableVacationPayMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_WaterTankPaintingMember" xlink:label="wtrg_WaterTankPaintingMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_WaterTankPaintingMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FairValueAdjustmentOfLongTermDebtAssumedInAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FairValueAdjustmentOfLongTermDebtAssumedInAcquisitionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FairValueAdjustmentOfLongTermDebtAssumedInAcquisitionMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DebtRefinancingMember" xlink:label="wtrg_DebtRefinancingMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_DebtRefinancingMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RateCaseFilingExpensesAndOtherMember" xlink:label="wtrg_RateCaseFilingExpensesAndOtherMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_RateCaseFilingExpensesAndOtherMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RegulatoryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="wtrg_RegulatoryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_RegulatoryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40701 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_IncomeTaxAuthorityTable" xlink:label="wtrg_IncomeTaxAuthorityTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxAuthorityTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxAuthorityTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxAuthorityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_637185033218324344"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_637185033218324344" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_PA" xlink:label="stpr_PA"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="stpr_PA" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:label="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_IncomeTaxAuthorityTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxSettlementsStateAndLocal" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherTaxExpenseBenefit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AdditionalOtherTaxExpenseBenefitRecorded" xlink:label="wtrg_AdditionalOtherTaxExpenseBenefitRecorded"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AdditionalOtherTaxExpenseBenefitRecorded" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ExpectedTaxRefund" xlink:label="wtrg_ExpectedTaxRefund"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ExpectedTaxRefund" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DecreaseInCurrentTaxesPayable" xlink:label="wtrg_DecreaseInCurrentTaxesPayable"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DecreaseInCurrentTaxesPayable" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="wtrg_StateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitIncreaseDecrease"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitIncreaseDecrease" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TaxBenefitTarget" xlink:label="wtrg_TaxBenefitTarget"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_TaxBenefitTarget" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductions" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductions"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductions" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizationOfIncomeTaxBenefit" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizationOfIncomeTaxBenefit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizationOfIncomeTaxBenefit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AmortizationPeriodTaxBenefit" xlink:label="wtrg_AmortizationPeriodTaxBenefit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AmortizationPeriodTaxBenefit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OperatingLossCarryforwardsBeforeUnrecognizedTaxPosition" xlink:label="wtrg_OperatingLossCarryforwardsBeforeUnrecognizedTaxPosition"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_OperatingLossCarryforwardsBeforeUnrecognizedTaxPosition" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="wtrg_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40801 - Disclosure - Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesTable" xlink:label="wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PropertyMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PropertyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PropertyMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_GrossReceiptsExciseAndFranchiseMember" xlink:label="wtrg_GrossReceiptsExciseAndFranchiseMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_GrossReceiptsExciseAndFranchiseMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PayrollMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PayrollMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PayrollMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RegulatoryAssessmentsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_RegulatoryAssessmentsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_RegulatoryAssessmentsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PumpingFeesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PumpingFeesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PumpingFeesMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherTaxesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherTaxesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherTaxesMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:label="wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseTaxes"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_TaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseTaxes" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41001 - Disclosure - Leases (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41101 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_637185033218368985"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_637185033218368985" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AquaPennsylvaniaIncMember" xlink:label="wtrg_AquaPennsylvaniaIncMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_AquaPennsylvaniaIncMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SwingLineCommitmentMember" xlink:label="wtrg_SwingLineCommitmentMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_SwingLineCommitmentMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityWithFourBanksMember" xlink:label="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityWithFourBanksMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityWithFourBanksMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearMember" xlink:label="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearBMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearCMember" xlink:label="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearCMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturityYearCMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShortTermLineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="wtrg_ShortTermLineOfCreditMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_ShortTermLineOfCreditMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearBMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearZMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearZMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearZMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearCMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearCMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearCMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearJMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearJMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearJMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearDMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearDMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearDMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearEMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearEMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearEMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearFMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearFMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearFMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearGMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearGMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearGMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearHMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearHMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearHMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearIMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearIMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearIMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearKMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearKMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearKMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearLMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearLMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FirstMortgageBondsMaturityYearLMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturityYearMember" xlink:label="wtrg_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturityYearMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturityYearMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturityYearDMember" xlink:label="wtrg_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturityYearDMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturityYearDMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearMember" xlink:label="wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearBMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearCMember" xlink:label="wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearCMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_SeniorNotesMaturityYearCMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongDebtMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongDebtMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongDebtMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FixedRateLongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FixedRateLongTermDebtMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="27" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FixedRateLongTermDebtMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_637185033218403703"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_637185033218403703" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AquaPennsylvaniasMember" xlink:label="wtrg_AquaPennsylvaniasMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_AquaPennsylvaniasMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherSubsidiariesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherSubsidiariesMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PeoplesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PeoplesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PeoplesMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_637185033218418583"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_637185033218418583" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TaxExemptBondMember" xlink:label="wtrg_TaxExemptBondMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_TaxExemptBondMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_637185033218423543"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_637185033218423543" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtConversionByUniqueDescriptionAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtConversionByUniqueDescriptionAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtConversionByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain_637185033218433463"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtConversionByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain_637185033218433463" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BondsBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BondsBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BondsBMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BondsCMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BondsCMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BondsCMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BondsDMember" xlink:label="wtrg_BondsDMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtConversionNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_BondsDMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RetainedEarningsIncludedInNonControllingInterest" xlink:label="wtrg_RetainedEarningsIncludedInNonControllingInterest"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_RetainedEarningsIncludedInNonControllingInterest" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestrictedAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRestrictedAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRestrictedAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DebtIntrumentMaturityYear" xlink:label="wtrg_DebtIntrumentMaturityYear"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DebtIntrumentMaturityYear" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="wtrg_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SublimitForDailyDemandLoans" xlink:label="wtrg_SublimitForDailyDemandLoans"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_SublimitForDailyDemandLoans" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCapacityAvailableForTradePurchases" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCapacityAvailableForTradePurchases"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCapacityAvailableForTradePurchases" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumMonthendOutstandingAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="27" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="28" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="29" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="30" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="31" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtDueDateOfDebtYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtDueDateOfDebtYear"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="32" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtDueDateOfDebtYear" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="33" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="34" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="35" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="36" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="37" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableScheduleOfLongTermDebtFutureSinkingFundPaymentsAndDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41102 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Future Sinking Fund Payments And Debt Maturities) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeZeroPointZeroZeroPercentageToZeroPointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeZeroPointZeroZeroPercentageToZeroPointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeZeroPointZeroZeroPercentageToZeroPointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeOnePointZeroZeroPercentageToOnePointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeOnePointZeroZeroPercentageToOnePointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeOnePointZeroZeroPercentageToOnePointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeTwoPointZeroZeroPercentageToTwoPointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeTwoPointZeroZeroPercentageToTwoPointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeTwoPointZeroZeroPercentageToTwoPointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeThreePointZeroZeroPercentageToThreePointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeThreePointZeroZeroPercentageToThreePointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeThreePointZeroZeroPercentageToThreePointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeFourPointZeroZeroPercentageToFourPointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeFourPointZeroZeroPercentageToFourPointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeFourPointZeroZeroPercentageToFourPointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeFivePointZeroZeroPercentageToFivePointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeFivePointZeroZeroPercentageToFivePointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeFivePointZeroZeroPercentageToFivePointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeSixPointZeroZeroPercentageToSixPointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeSixPointZeroZeroPercentageToSixPointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeSixPointZeroZeroPercentageToSixPointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeSevenPointZeroZeroPercentageToSevenPointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeSevenPointZeroZeroPercentageToSevenPointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeSevenPointZeroZeroPercentageToSevenPointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeEightPointZeroZeroPercentageToEightPointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeEightPointZeroZeroPercentageToEightPointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeEightPointZeroZeroPercentageToEightPointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeNinePointZeroZeroPercentageToNinePointNineNinePercentageMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeNinePointZeroZeroPercentageToNinePointNineNinePercentageMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermDebtInterestRateRangeNinePointZeroZeroPercentageToNinePointNineNinePercentageMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLoansPayableSummaryOfAmountsRecognizedInEarningsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41105 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable (Summary Of Amounts Recognized In Earnings) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_637185033218587224"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_637185033218587224" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_637185033218587224"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_637185033218587224" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41203 - Disclosure - Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_637185033218597145"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_637185033218597145" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41301 - Disclosure - Stockholders&#8217; Equity (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DividendReinvestmentMember" xlink:label="wtrg_DividendReinvestmentMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_DividendReinvestmentMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestorMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestorMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestorMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_LongTermMember" xlink:label="wtrg_LongTermMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_LongTermMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AggregateCommonAndPreferredSharesAuthorizedValue" xlink:label="wtrg_AggregateCommonAndPreferredSharesAuthorizedValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AggregateCommonAndPreferredSharesAuthorizedValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SharesIssuedDiscount" xlink:label="wtrg_SharesIssuedDiscount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_SharesIssuedDiscount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TransferRestrictionPeriod" xlink:label="wtrg_TransferRestrictionPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_TransferRestrictionPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitSettle" xlink:label="wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitSettle"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_TangibleEquityUnitSettle" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsSettled" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsSettled"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsSettled" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsSettledIssuanceOfCommonShares" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsSettledIssuanceOfCommonShares"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsSettledIssuanceOfCommonShares" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInitialPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInitialPrincipalAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInitialPrincipalAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsAggregateInitialPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsAggregateInitialPrincipalAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsAggregateInitialPrincipalAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInterestRate" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInterestRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsQuarterlyCashInstallments" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsQuarterlyCashInstallments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsQuarterlyCashInstallments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsCashInstallments" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsCashInstallments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsCashInstallments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInterestAndPartialRepayment" xlink:label="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInterestAndPartialRepayment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockPurchaseContractsInterestAndPartialRepayment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ProceedsFromSharesIssuedGross" xlink:label="wtrg_ProceedsFromSharesIssuedGross"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ProceedsFromSharesIssuedGross" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ProceedsFromSharesIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="wtrg_ProceedsFromSharesIssuedIssuanceCosts"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ProceedsFromSharesIssuedIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_SharesPurchasedByTransferAgentForDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="wtrg_SharesPurchasedByTransferAgentForDividendReinvestmentPlan"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="27" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_SharesPurchasedByTransferAgentForDividendReinvestmentPlan" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ValueOfSharesPurchasedInOpenMarketForDividendInvestmentPlan" xlink:label="wtrg_ValueOfSharesPurchasedInOpenMarketForDividendInvestmentPlan"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="28" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ValueOfSharesPurchasedInOpenMarketForDividendInvestmentPlan" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="29" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="30" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BusinessCombinationSharesAvailableForIssuance" xlink:label="wtrg_BusinessCombinationSharesAvailableForIssuance"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="31" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_BusinessCombinationSharesAvailableForIssuance" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAndEquityPerCommonShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41401 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Common Share And Equity Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_EquityPerCommonShare" xlink:label="wtrg_EquityPerCommonShare"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_EquityPerCommonShare" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41501 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TwoThousandNineOmnibusEquityCompensationPlanMember" xlink:label="wtrg_TwoThousandNineOmnibusEquityCompensationPlanMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_TwoThousandNineOmnibusEquityCompensationPlanMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637185033218676503"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain_637185033218676503" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuanceMayBeIssuedAsRestrictedStock" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuanceMayBeIssuedAsRestrictedStock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuanceMayBeIssuedAsRestrictedStock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PerformancePeriodSpecifiedInGrant" xlink:label="wtrg_PerformancePeriodSpecifiedInGrant"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_PerformancePeriodSpecifiedInGrant" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PercentageOfTargetAwardAmountParticipantMayEarn" xlink:label="wtrg_PercentageOfTargetAwardAmountParticipantMayEarn"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_PercentageOfTargetAwardAmountParticipantMayEarn" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmortizationPeriodOfFairValueOfShares" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmortizationPeriodOfFairValueOfShares"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmortizationPeriodOfFairValueOfShares" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRequestedReturnOnEquityPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsTotalIntrinsicValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsTotalIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanScheduleOfPerformanceGoalsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41502 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Schedule Of Performance Goals) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics1" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics2" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics2"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics2" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics3" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics3"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics3" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics4" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics4"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceGoalsMetrics4" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfCompensationCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41504 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Compensation Costs) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockAwardsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_StockAwardsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_StockAwardsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfValueOfStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41505 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Value Of Stock Awards) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockAwardsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_StockAwardsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_StockAwardsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedPsuTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41506 - Disclosure - Employee Stock and Incentive Plan (Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustment" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustmentWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustmentWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustmentWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedRsuTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41507 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodPaid" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodPaid"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodPaid" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustment" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustment"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustment" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodPaidWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodPaidWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodPaidWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustmentWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustmentWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceCriteriaAdjustmentWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanAssumptionsUsedInPricingModelDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41509 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Assumptions Used In The Pricing Model) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_PerformanceShareUnitsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsGrantDateFairValuePerOption" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsGrantDateFairValuePerOption"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsGrantDateFairValuePerOption" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsIntrinsicValueOfVestedShares" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsIntrinsicValueOfVestedShares"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsIntrinsicValueOfVestedShares" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsFairValueOfVestedShares" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsFairValueOfVestedShares"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsFairValueOfVestedShares" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41510 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Value Of Restricted Stock Units) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsIntrinsicValueOfVestedShares" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsIntrinsicValueOfVestedShares"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsIntrinsicValueOfVestedShares" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsFairValueOfVestedShares" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsFairValueOfVestedShares"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsFairValueOfVestedShares" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfStockOptionTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41511 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Stock Option Transactions) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfOptionsOutstandingAndOptionsExercisableDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41512 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Options Outstanding And Options Exercisable) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_637185033218775703"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_637185033218775703" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RangeOfPricesThirteenToSixteenPointNineNineMember" xlink:label="wtrg_RangeOfPricesThirteenToSixteenPointNineNineMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_RangeOfPricesThirteenToSixteenPointNineNineMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RangeOfPricesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_RangeOfPricesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_RangeOfPricesMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RangeOfPricesBMember" xlink:label="wtrg_RangeOfPricesBMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_RangeOfPricesBMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RangeOfPricesSeventeenToNineteenPointNineNineMember" xlink:label="wtrg_RangeOfPricesSeventeenToNineteenPointNineNineMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_RangeOfPricesSeventeenToNineteenPointNineNineMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfStockOptionsExercisedAndVestedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41513 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Stock Options Exercised And Vested) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedPeriodTotalFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedPeriodTotalFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockAndIncentivePlanSummaryOfNonvestedShareActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41515 - Disclosure - Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Nonvested Share Activity) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockAwardsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_StockAwardsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_StockAwardsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41601 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioForecastMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioForecastMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_637185033218820344"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_637185033218820344" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AquaAmericaCommonStockMember" xlink:label="wtrg_AquaAmericaCommonStockMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_AquaAmericaCommonStockMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_FourZeroOneKSavingsPlansMember" xlink:label="wtrg_FourZeroOneKSavingsPlansMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_FourZeroOneKSavingsPlansMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValuePercentageOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValuePercentageOfPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValuePercentageOfPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfBenefitPaymentsOfExpectedFutureServiceDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41602 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Benefit Payments Of Expected Future Service) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfChangesInBenefitObligationAndFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41603 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Changes In Benefit Obligation And Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaidPlanAssets" xlink:label="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaidPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaidPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetLiabilityRecognizedOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41604 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Net Liability Recognized On Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfAccumulatedAndProjectedBenefitObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41605 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Accumulated And Projected Benefit Obligations) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ProjectedBenefitMember" xlink:label="wtrg_ProjectedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_ProjectedBenefitMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AccumulatedBenefitMember" xlink:label="wtrg_AccumulatedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_AccumulatedBenefitMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41606 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfActuarialLoss" xlink:label="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfActuarialLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfActuarialLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostNotYetRecognizedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41607 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not Yet Recognized) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossNotIncludedInPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossNotIncludedInPeriodicBenefitCost"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossNotIncludedInPeriodicBenefitCost" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostThatWillBeAmortizedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41608 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost That Will Be Amortized) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossNotIncludedInPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossNotIncludedInPeriodicBenefitCost"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossNotIncludedInPeriodicBenefitCost" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfAssumptionsRelatedToPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41609 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Assumptions Related To Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_637185033218894744"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_637185033218894744" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ObligationsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ObligationsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateTrendRate" xlink:label="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateTrendRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateTrendRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfTargetAssetAllocationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41611 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Target Asset Allocations) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ReturnSeekingAssetsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_ReturnSeekingAssetsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_ReturnSeekingAssetsMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitsScheduleOfFairValueOfPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41612 - Disclosure - Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_EquitySecuritiesCommonStocksMember" xlink:label="wtrg_EquitySecuritiesCommonStocksMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_EquitySecuritiesCommonStocksMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_InternationalEquitiesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_InternationalEquitiesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_InternationalEquitiesMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateFundsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateFundsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateFundsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_637185033218934423"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_637185033218934423" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredAtNetAssetValuePerShareMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureWaterAndWastewaterRatesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41701 - Disclosure - Water And Wastewater Rates (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherSubsidiariesMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherSubsidiariesMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_PA" xlink:label="stpr_PA"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_PA" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_NJ" xlink:label="stpr_NJ"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_NJ" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:label="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedRateIncreaseDecreaseAmount" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_AuthorizedIncreaseInRevenueFromUtilityService" xlink:label="wtrg_AuthorizedIncreaseInRevenueFromUtilityService"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_AuthorizedIncreaseInRevenueFromUtilityService" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DistributionSystemImprovementCharges" xlink:label="wtrg_DistributionSystemImprovementCharges"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DistributionSystemImprovementCharges" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_DistributionSystemImprovementChargesPercentOverBaseRate" xlink:label="wtrg_DistributionSystemImprovementChargesPercentOverBaseRate"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_DistributionSystemImprovementChargesPercentOverBaseRate" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_BaseRateIncreaseDesignedToIncreaseTotalOperatingRevenuesOnAnnualBasis" xlink:label="wtrg_BaseRateIncreaseDesignedToIncreaseTotalOperatingRevenuesOnAnnualBasis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_BaseRateIncreaseDesignedToIncreaseTotalOperatingRevenuesOnAnnualBasis" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_TaxBenefitTarget" xlink:label="wtrg_TaxBenefitTarget"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_TaxBenefitTarget" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NumberOfRateDecisions" xlink:label="wtrg_NumberOfRateDecisions"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_NumberOfRateDecisions" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_RevenuesRealized" xlink:label="wtrg_RevenuesRealized"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_RevenuesRealized" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurchargesCappedPercentage" xlink:label="wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurchargesCappedPercentage"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurchargesCappedPercentage" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurchargePercentageResetLevelUponNewBaseRates" xlink:label="wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurchargePercentageResetLevelUponNewBaseRates"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurchargePercentageResetLevelUponNewBaseRates" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurcharges" xlink:label="wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurcharges"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="wtrg_WaterAndWastewaterRatesLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_InfrastructureRehabilitationSurcharges" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41801 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_NotQuantitativelySignificantMember" xlink:label="wtrg_NotQuantitativelySignificantMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_NotQuantitativelySignificantMember" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationCompanySSegmentInformationContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41802 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Company&apos;s Segment Information, Continuing Operations) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_OtherAndEliminationsMember" xlink:label="wtrg_OtherAndEliminationsMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="wtrg_OtherAndEliminationsMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Depreciation" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_InterestExpenseNetOfAfudc" xlink:label="wtrg_InterestExpenseNetOfAfudc"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_InterestExpenseNetOfAfudc" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAdditions" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAdditions"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAdditions" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossJointVenturePartnersNonredeemable" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossJointVenturePartnersNonredeemable"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossJointVenturePartnersNonredeemable" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBuildings" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBuildings"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBuildings" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42101 - Schedule - Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="srt_ParentCompanyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42102 - Schedule - Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="srt_ParentCompanyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesLiabilities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgesLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42103 - Schedule - Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="srt_ParentCompanyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42104 - Schedule - Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="srt_ParentCompanyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireWasteWaterSystems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireWasteWaterSystems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireWasteWaterSystems" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_ProceedsFromSaleOfUtilitySystemAndOther" xlink:label="wtrg_ProceedsFromSaleOfUtilitySystemAndOther"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_ProceedsFromSaleOfUtilitySystemAndOther" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_IncreaseDecreaseInInvestmentOfSubsidiary" xlink:label="wtrg_IncreaseDecreaseInInvestmentOfSubsidiary"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_IncreaseDecreaseInInvestmentOfSubsidiary" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wtrg-20191231.xsd#wtrg_StockIssuedForAcquisition" xlink:label="wtrg_StockIssuedForAcquisition"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="wtrg_StockIssuedForAcquisition" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherEquity"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromOtherEquity" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essential.co/role/ScheduleSchedule1CondensedParentCompanyFinancialStatementsDebtMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42105 - Schedule - Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Debt Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"></loc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="srt_ParentCompanyMember"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_ParentCompanyMember" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive"></loc>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" priority="1" use="optional"></definitionArc></definitionLink></linkbase>
