American Water and Essential Utilities Merger Approved by Ohio
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 14 2026
0mins
American Water (AWK) and Essential Utilities (WTRG) announced that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, or PUCO, issued an order approving the companies' proposed merger, marking the second favorable regulatory action in less than a month toward completing the combination of the two companies. The companies received approval of the merger in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on April 21. The The combined company will operate under the American Water name and be headquartered in Camden, New Jersey. The merger is expected to close by the end of Q1 of 2027, but remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, among others, obtaining clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and required regulatory approvals, including approval from all applicable public utility commissions.
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Analyst Views on AWK
Wall Street analysts forecast AWK stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 125.410
Low
122.00
Averages
129.00
High
139.00
Current: 125.410
Low
122.00
Averages
129.00
High
139.00
About AWK
American Water Works Company, Inc. is a water and wastewater utility company. The Company's primary business involves the ownership of utilities that provide water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, industrial, public authority, fire service and sale for resale customers. The Company also operates other businesses that provide water and wastewater services to the United States government on military installations, as well as municipalities. The Company operates its business through the Regulated Businesses segment. The Regulated Businesses segment includes subsidiaries that provide water and wastewater services to customers in 14 states. The Company's utilities operate in states such as Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. It also serves commercial customers, fire service customers, industrial customers, public authorities, and other utilities and community water and wastewater systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Kentucky American Water Invests $3 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure
- Infrastructure Investment: Kentucky American Water is investing approximately $3 million to upgrade critical water infrastructure in Owen County, including replacing aging water mains and constructing a new booster pump station to ensure long-term water quality and service reliability.
- Project Details: The Greenup Road/Highway 845 project will replace 5,263 feet of 6-inch PVC water main with new 6-inch ductile iron pipe, while the US 127 project will replace over three miles of 6-inch water main with 8-inch ductile iron pipe, significantly enhancing water supply capacity.
- Construction Schedule: Work will typically occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., maintaining access for residents and businesses during construction, with direct communication with customers to accommodate driveway access and ensure uninterrupted service.
- Long-term Value: These infrastructure improvements not only reduce the likelihood of service interruptions but also enhance water flows for homes and businesses, supporting community fire protection and demonstrating the company's commitment to meeting everyday customer needs.
See More
Illinois American Water Reinforces Scott's Law Through #moveover Campaign
- Safety Campaign: Illinois American Water's #moveover campaign emphasizes the necessity for drivers to adhere to Scott's Law when encountering stopped or disabled vehicles, thereby enhancing public awareness of traffic safety.
- Legal Context: Scott's Law mandates that all motorists must move over when approaching vehicles displaying warning lights, aimed at protecting law enforcement and road workers, ultimately reducing traffic accidents and enhancing road safety.
- Employee Involvement: Employees share personal stories on Facebook to remind drivers that small decisions behind the wheel can have significant impacts, highlighting the importance of safety awareness and fostering a sense of social responsibility.
- Company Commitment: Illinois American Water, with approximately 600 employees serving 1.3 million residents, is dedicated to providing safe and reliable water services, demonstrating the company's commitment to public safety and community responsibility.
See More
Illinois American Water Reinforces Scott's Law for Motorist Safety
- Safety Campaign: Illinois American Water's #moveover campaign emphasizes the necessity for motorists to comply with Scott's Law when encountering stopped or disabled vehicles, thereby enhancing public awareness of safe driving practices.
- Legal Context: Scott's Law mandates that drivers must slow down and change lanes when approaching vehicles displaying warning lights, aimed at protecting law enforcement and emergency service personnel, ultimately reducing traffic accidents.
- Employee Involvement: Employees share personal stories on social media to remind drivers to be cautious, with Craig Watson highlighting that small decisions made while driving can significantly enhance safety for all road users.
- Company Commitment: Illinois American Water is dedicated to providing safe and reliable water services while fostering public responsibility through educational campaigns, aiming to reduce traffic accidents and protect lives.
See More
Kentucky American Water Invests $3 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure
- Infrastructure Investment: Kentucky American Water is investing approximately $3 million to upgrade critical water infrastructure in Owen County, including replacing aging water mains and constructing a new booster pump station to enhance water supply and service quality.
- Water Main Replacement: The Greenup Road/Highway 845 project involves replacing 5,263 feet of aging 6-inch PVC water main with new 6-inch ductile iron pipe, which is expected to significantly improve water flow and service reliability in the area.
- Booster Pump Station Construction: The new booster pump station at the Owen County Fairgrounds will support increased water supply for customers north of Owenton, ensuring adequate water availability during peak demand periods and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Construction Schedule and Impact: Construction crews will typically work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., maintaining access for residents and businesses throughout the project to ensure that daily life and emergency vehicle access are not disrupted.
See More
California American Water Promotes Water Conservation Measures
- Water Conservation Advocacy: California American Water encourages customers to adopt simple water-saving measures during the summer to address rising temperatures and increased water demand, thereby protecting local water resources and demonstrating the company's commitment to sustainability.
- Customer Self-Service: Through the MyWater self-service portal, customers can monitor their water usage and access up to two years of usage data, which not only enhances customer engagement but also strengthens the interaction between the company and its clients.
- Long-standing Company: American Water, founded in 1886, has a 140-year history and serves approximately 14 million people, showcasing its leadership and stability in the water utility sector, further solidifying its market share.
- Employee Strength: California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water with around 300 dedicated employees, leverages its expertise and scale to provide safe, reliable, and affordable water services, enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the company.
See More
American Water Urges Customers to Conserve Water Amid Hot Summer Forecasts
- Water Conservation Advocacy: American Water is urging customers to adopt simple water-saving measures in light of forecasts predicting a hot, dry summer, which is expected to increase water demand, thereby ensuring affordability of water bills and enhancing long-term resilience.
- Efficiency Improvement: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 50% of outdoor water usage is wasted; by watering in the early morning or late evening, customers can significantly reduce evaporation losses, thus improving overall water efficiency.
- Leak Monitoring: American Water highlights that 10% of homes have leaks that can waste 90 gallons of water daily, encouraging customers to regularly check for leaks to minimize unnecessary water waste and conserve resources.
- Smart Monitoring Tools: Customers can utilize the MyWater self-service portal to monitor their water usage, helping them manage consumption effectively and ensure sustainable water resources during high-temperature conditions.
See More
Kentucky American Water Invests $3 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure
- Infrastructure Investment: Kentucky American Water is investing approximately $3 million to upgrade critical water infrastructure in Owen County, including replacing aging water mains and constructing a new booster pump station to ensure long-term water quality and service reliability.
- Project Details: The Greenup Road/Highway 845 project will replace 5,263 feet of 6-inch PVC water main with new 6-inch ductile iron pipe, while the US 127 project will replace over three miles of 6-inch water main with 8-inch ductile iron pipe, significantly enhancing water supply capacity.
- Construction Schedule: Work will typically occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., maintaining access for residents and businesses during construction, with direct communication with customers to accommodate driveway access and ensure uninterrupted service.
- Long-term Value: These infrastructure improvements not only reduce the likelihood of service interruptions but also enhance water flows for homes and businesses, supporting community fire protection and demonstrating the company's commitment to meeting everyday customer needs.
See More
Illinois American Water Reinforces Scott's Law Through #moveover Campaign
- Safety Campaign: Illinois American Water's #moveover campaign emphasizes the necessity for drivers to adhere to Scott's Law when encountering stopped or disabled vehicles, thereby enhancing public awareness of traffic safety.
- Legal Context: Scott's Law mandates that all motorists must move over when approaching vehicles displaying warning lights, aimed at protecting law enforcement and road workers, ultimately reducing traffic accidents and enhancing road safety.
- Employee Involvement: Employees share personal stories on Facebook to remind drivers that small decisions behind the wheel can have significant impacts, highlighting the importance of safety awareness and fostering a sense of social responsibility.
- Company Commitment: Illinois American Water, with approximately 600 employees serving 1.3 million residents, is dedicated to providing safe and reliable water services, demonstrating the company's commitment to public safety and community responsibility.
See More
Illinois American Water Reinforces Scott's Law for Motorist Safety
- Safety Campaign: Illinois American Water's #moveover campaign emphasizes the necessity for motorists to comply with Scott's Law when encountering stopped or disabled vehicles, thereby enhancing public awareness of safe driving practices.
- Legal Context: Scott's Law mandates that drivers must slow down and change lanes when approaching vehicles displaying warning lights, aimed at protecting law enforcement and emergency service personnel, ultimately reducing traffic accidents.
- Employee Involvement: Employees share personal stories on social media to remind drivers to be cautious, with Craig Watson highlighting that small decisions made while driving can significantly enhance safety for all road users.
- Company Commitment: Illinois American Water is dedicated to providing safe and reliable water services while fostering public responsibility through educational campaigns, aiming to reduce traffic accidents and protect lives.
See More
Kentucky American Water Invests $3 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure
- Infrastructure Investment: Kentucky American Water is investing approximately $3 million to upgrade critical water infrastructure in Owen County, including replacing aging water mains and constructing a new booster pump station to enhance water supply and service quality.
- Water Main Replacement: The Greenup Road/Highway 845 project involves replacing 5,263 feet of aging 6-inch PVC water main with new 6-inch ductile iron pipe, which is expected to significantly improve water flow and service reliability in the area.
- Booster Pump Station Construction: The new booster pump station at the Owen County Fairgrounds will support increased water supply for customers north of Owenton, ensuring adequate water availability during peak demand periods and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Construction Schedule and Impact: Construction crews will typically work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., maintaining access for residents and businesses throughout the project to ensure that daily life and emergency vehicle access are not disrupted.
See More
California American Water Promotes Water Conservation Measures
- Water Conservation Advocacy: California American Water encourages customers to adopt simple water-saving measures during the summer to address rising temperatures and increased water demand, thereby protecting local water resources and demonstrating the company's commitment to sustainability.
- Customer Self-Service: Through the MyWater self-service portal, customers can monitor their water usage and access up to two years of usage data, which not only enhances customer engagement but also strengthens the interaction between the company and its clients.
- Long-standing Company: American Water, founded in 1886, has a 140-year history and serves approximately 14 million people, showcasing its leadership and stability in the water utility sector, further solidifying its market share.
- Employee Strength: California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water with around 300 dedicated employees, leverages its expertise and scale to provide safe, reliable, and affordable water services, enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the company.
See More
American Water Urges Customers to Conserve Water Amid Hot Summer Forecasts
- Water Conservation Advocacy: American Water is urging customers to adopt simple water-saving measures in light of forecasts predicting a hot, dry summer, which is expected to increase water demand, thereby ensuring affordability of water bills and enhancing long-term resilience.
- Efficiency Improvement: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 50% of outdoor water usage is wasted; by watering in the early morning or late evening, customers can significantly reduce evaporation losses, thus improving overall water efficiency.
- Leak Monitoring: American Water highlights that 10% of homes have leaks that can waste 90 gallons of water daily, encouraging customers to regularly check for leaks to minimize unnecessary water waste and conserve resources.
- Smart Monitoring Tools: Customers can utilize the MyWater self-service portal to monitor their water usage, helping them manage consumption effectively and ensure sustainable water resources during high-temperature conditions.
See More
