Fourteen projects will modernize critical infrastructure and strengthen service reliability in communities across Illinois

Aqua Illinois is advancing 14 water and wastewater infrastructure projects representing nearly $40 million in investment across the state. Together, the projects will upgrade approximately 100,000 feet of water main and nearly 284,000 feet of wastewater infrastructure, helping modernize essential systems and strengthen reliable service for Illinois communities.

“Reliable water and wastewater service depends on strong infrastructure,” said David Carter, president of Aqua Illinois. “While much of this work happens underground, its impact is felt every day by the customers who depend on us. These projects allow us to address aging systems, improve performance and prepare our infrastructure to meet the long-term needs of the communities we serve.”

The projects will help prevent leaks, reduce service interruptions, and minimize environmental risks, ultimately improving water flow and reliability for local families and businesses. Most construction will begin or continue during the second half of 2026, with several projects extending into 2027.

Among the largest investments are:

• Installation of transmission main to extend approximately 29,500 feet of water main serving Sun River Terrace, Skyline and Highland Estates in Kankakee County
• Replacement of approximately 4.8 miles of transmission water main in Philo
• Replacement of approximately 8,700 feet of water main near Interstate 57 in Kankakee
• $3.75 million in combined water and wastewater improvements in University Park, including a water main replacement, preventative sewer line maintenance and manhole inspections
• Replacement and relocation of approximately 4,500 feet of water main in North Maine

Additional projects will improve infrastructure in Bourbonnais, Manteno, Willowbrook, Oak Brook, Nunda and Danville. The work includes approximately $2 million for sewer lining in Bourbonnais, $1.5 million for water main replacement in Willowbrook and more than $2.5 million across two water main replacement projects in Danville.

The 14 projects are part of Aqua Illinois’ broader effort to deliver more than $492 million in infrastructure improvements supporting more than 280,000 residents statewide over the next five years. Aqua Illinois will coordinate with municipalities and communicate directly with affected customers about construction schedules, temporary impacts and restoration. Schedules remain subject to weather, equipment availability and other construction conditions and are subject to change.

About Aqua Illinois

Aqua Illinois provides water and wastewater service to approximately 280,000 people in 14 counties throughout Illinois. Visit AquaWater.com for more information or follow @MyAquaWater on Facebook and @MyAquaWater on Twitter.

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.

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