Malvern Residents Invited to Speak on Water Utility Merger

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Malvern residents will have the opportunity to directly address state regulators about the proposed merger of American Water Works and Essential Utilities at public hearings on April 22 at Penn State Great Valley. Additional in-person and telephonic hearings across Pennsylvania will also allow customers to weigh in, but the Malvern session is the most convenient option for many local residents.

Why it matters

The merger of these two major water utility companies could have significant impacts on Malvern residents, including potential changes to water rates and service. The public hearings provide an important forum for the community to voice their concerns and perspectives directly to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which will ultimately decide whether to approve the merger.

The details

The public hearings on the proposed merger will take place on April 22 at Penn State Great Valley in Malvern. Residents will be able to attend in person or participate via telephone to share their feedback with state regulators. The merger would combine American Water Works, one of the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility companies in the U.S., with Essential Utilities, the parent company of Aqua Pennsylvania, the state's largest regulated water and wastewater utility.

• The public hearings on the proposed merger will take place on April 22, 2026.
• The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will make a final decision on whether to approve the merger at a later date.

What’s next

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will make a final decision on whether to approve the proposed merger between American Water Works and Essential Utilities at a later date, following the public hearings.