THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BAILEY
ABOVE: Aqua Illinois’ office is shown on Gilbert Street in Danville. Its parent company, Essential Utilities, recently announced that it was entering a merger agreement with American Water that is expected to close in 2027. (Jennifer Bailey/News-Gazette)
DANVILLE — Aqua Illinois officials said customers shouldn’t expect huge changes when the recently announced merger of its parent company, Essential Utilities, and American Water closes in the first quarter of 2027.
“We anticipate many benefits for our customers all while probably not realizing anything has changed other than the name on the mailings,” according to Andy Price, area manager for Aqua Illinois’ East Central Division.
The combined company will be known as American Water.
“Until the actual close, we will continue to operate separately and as two different entities,” Price added.
According to the water companies, anticipated benefits for customers and communities include:
- No change in rates, and American Water and Essential Utilities will be better able to maintain an average water bill that is affordable.
- Combined best practices, knowledge and skills of both utilities.
- An expanded set of resources to help solve water and wastewater challenges for existing and new customers and communities.
- The new company will remain an active member in the communities it serves, supporting customers and stakeholders with a dedicated workforce and passionate employee base.
- Investments in infrastructure renewal, resiliency, water quality, technology and growth projects.
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