Aqua Pennsylvania Wins Nearly $15.3 Million in PENNVEST Funding for PFAS Removal, Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Since 2021, PENVEST has awarded Aqua Pennsylvania more than $278 million

Funding is part of Aqua Pennsylvania's commitment to deliver quality water and wastewater services at affordable customer rates

BRYN MAWR, Pa. (October 21, 2026)- Aqua Pennsylvania announced it was awarded nearly $15.3 million in a combination of principal forgiveness loans and low-interest loans through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding will support a complete restoration of Aqua's Pinecrest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Monroe County, as well as PFAS treatment projects in Chester and Montgomery Counties.

This latest round of PENNVEST funding highlights Aqua's proactive approach to identify alternative funding sources that help advance infrastructure investments and benefit customers. Since 2021, Aqua Pennsylvania has obtained $278.4 million from PENNVEST to complete crucial infrastructure upgrades at a reduced cost to customers.

"Delivering safe, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers remains our top priority," said Mike Fili, Aqua Pennsylvania Vice President of Capital Planning, Design and Construction. "We actively seek funding opportunities that help ease the financial impact on customers, and we thank PENNVEST for its ongoing support and confidence in the work our employees perform every day."

Pinecrest Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project

Aqua's Pinecrest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tobyhanna Township was originally constructed in 1992. PENNVEST funding totaling $11 million will go toward a complete overhaul of the plant to improve operational efficiency and reliability. Planned upgrades include:

• Installation of a new treatment tank
• Construction of new equipment building
• Renovations to existing buildings

The plant serves more than 350 customers in Monroe County. Construction is underway and expected to be completed in late spring 2028.

PFAS Treatment Systems at Well Sites

Aqua obtained nearly $4.3 million in PENNVEST funding to support two PFAS treatment installation projects at community well sites in Chester and Montgomery Counties. The PFAS treatment systems will positively impact nearly 725 customers.

CHESTER COUNTY

• Cross Keys and Culbertson Run Wells, East Brandywine Township

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

• Turnbury Well, New Hanover Township

Construction at these well facilities is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Aqua Pennsylvania is already in full compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) PFAS drinking water standards. The additional treatment at these sites is needed to comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) drinking water standard.

Learn more about Aqua's dedication to providing high-quality water and wastewater service here.

About Aqua Pennsylvania
Aqua Pennsylvania provides water and wastewater service to approximately 1.5 million people in 33 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Visit AquaWater.com for more information or follow @MyAquaWater on Facebook and @MyAquaWater on X.

About Essential
Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting thousands of acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at www.essential.co.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which generally include words such as "believes," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions. The Company can give no assurance that any actual or future results or events discussed in these statements will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements represent its views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the statements contained in this release. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the capital to be invested, including the timing of capital investments, in Aqua's water and wastewater infrastructure; that it will continue to seek and receive grants, principal loan forgiveness and low-interest loans; compliance with state and federal regulations; and the impact of any funding received on customer rates. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including the factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, please refer to the Company's annual, quarterly and other SEC filings. The Company is not under any obligation - and expressly disclaims any such obligation - to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact:

Amanda Burge

Regional Communications Specialist

M: 610.329.2015

O: 610.520.6440

[email protected]