As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s important to recognize that protecting our planet goes beyond just conserving energy or recycling. It’s about safeguarding the very resource that sustains all life on Earth: water.
At Aqua, we take our responsibility seriously when it comes to providing and protecting water. Since 1886, our mission has been to ensure that Earth’s most essential resource is safe and accessible for the communities where we live and work. Today, we’re proud to serve 1.5 million people across Pennsylvania, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to deliver high-quality water services while strengthening the infrastructure that makes that possible.
Though we often take clean, safe water for granted, the intricate systems that bring it to our taps require constant attention, care, and preparation. As Earth Day reminds us, it’s not enough to simply enjoy this resource — we must actively protect it.
The Role of Utilities in Water Protection
Water protection has long been a priority for our country, but it has become more complex and critical over time. Since 1948, the federal government has passed 12 major pieces of water-related legislation, continuously improving regulations around water safety. Today, we face new challenges from emerging contaminants like PFAS in drinking water and the need to replace lead and galvanized service lines. However, the financial realities of these new standards are becoming increasingly challenging.
According to the 2023 President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council, the U.S. government’s share of capital costs for water infrastructure fell from around 60 percent in 1977 to below 10 percent in 2020. As a result, water and wastewater utilities are being asked to get more from aging infrastructure than ever before.
Water utilities like Aqua are stepping up to the challenge, but we must also recognize that the rising costs of compliance, coupled with the lack of sufficient federal assistance, are a burden on our customers. That’s why we aggressively apply for alternative sources of funding to keep costs manageable for our customers. In 2024, we were awarded nearly $100 million in PENNVEST low-interest loans and grants.
Sustaining Wastewater for Our Environment
Managing wastewater is also crucial to protecting the environment and replenishing our water sources. Properly treated wastewater flows back into natural systems, ensuring clean water for future generations. Aqua takes this responsibility seriously by improving treatment plants, securing funding for upgrades, and investing in new technologies to ensure safe, reliable water for customers.
In 2023, Aqua secured $7.8 million in low-interest loans from PENNVEST for upgrades at the Laurel Lakes Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rice Township, Luzerne County, and $5.9 million for improvements at the Rivercrest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County. These funds helped replace aging equipment and enhance plant reliability, ensuring that treated water meets all regulations as it is discharged to the environment.
Essential Earth Day: A Month of Environmental Stewardship
Our commitment to environmental stewardship extends far beyond our daily operations. Essential Earth Day is a month-long celebration each April, filled with volunteer events, donations, and educational opportunities for our team members in partnership with local environmental organizations. These activities reflect Aqua’s mission to protect and provide Earth’s most vital resources while strengthening the areas we call home.
This month, employees across the Commonwealth participated in a variety of volunteer projects, including river and trail cleanups, habitat management, tree plantings, and groundskeeping.
Investing in the Future of Water
At Aqua, we understand that water infrastructure is a long-term commitment. We are constantly working to improve our systems, enhance our treatment facilities, and invest in sustainable solutions that will ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Our goal is simple: to protect and preserve the water resources that sustain life for everyone who relies on them.
This Earth Day, we recognize that water is our most precious resource, deserving of care and respect every day. We’re proud to contribute to its stewardship and work toward a future where safe water is available for all.
Looking ahead, Aqua remains dedicated to providing and protecting water, while safeguarding our environment, for the communities we serve, ensuring its abundance for generations to come. Learn more about our ongoing efforts here.
