BRYN MAWR, PA — Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) plans to invest approximately $1.4 million in a New Jersey drinking water system serving 255 customers after its Aqua New Jersey subsidiary completed a $113,000 acquisition of the utility’s assets in Sussex County.
The purchase of Lake Tamarack Water Corporation’s system in Hardyston Township follows approval by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on September 9, 2026. The transaction brings the small water system under Aqua New Jersey’s ownership and operations.
The planned infrastructure investment is more than 12 times the acquisition price, reflecting the capital requirements associated with upgrading the system.
Aqua New Jersey identified improvements needed to strengthen water infrastructure, modernize operations and address regulatory, environmental and cybersecurity requirements. The company expects to make the investments over the next several years.
“We are well positioned to make much needed improvements to this system,” said Christopher Franklin, chairman and chief executive officer of Essential Utilities.
The acquisition also transfers customer service responsibilities to Aqua New Jersey. Residents will gain access to the company’s online customer portal and mobile application for bill payments, water usage monitoring and account management.
Aqua New Jersey President Natalie Chesko said the transition would give Lake Tamarack customers access to the company’s operational resources and service capabilities.
Lake Tamarack Water Corporation President Anne-Marie Wilhelm supported the sale, citing Aqua’s ability to modernize the system and manage the transition.
Customers will receive communications from Aqua New Jersey detailing service schedules and procedures associated with the ownership change.
Essential Utilities, based in Bryn Mawr, operates regulated utility businesses through subsidiaries including Aqua. The Lake Tamarack acquisition expands its New Jersey water operations while adding a system requiring substantial infrastructure investment.
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