---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001552781-26-000492"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "WTRG"
cik: "0000078128"
company_name: "Essential Utilities, Inc."
filed_at: "2026-09-17T14:50:15+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-09-17T14:51:08.711010+00:00"
event_type: "regulatory"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.65
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.65
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# American Water, Essential Utilities file non-unanimous settlement with PaPUC for merger

## Summary
- On Sept 15, 2026, American Water and Essential Utilities filed a joint non-unanimous settlement with PaPUC for the proposed merger.
- Settlement joined by Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, Office of Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate, and others; some parties did not join.
- PaPUC ALJs will review settlement and issue a Recommended Decision; final approval rests with PaPUC.
- Merger announced Oct 26, 2025; Essential Utilities to become wholly owned subsidiary of American Water.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001552781-26-000492
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: WTRG
- cik: 0000078128
- company_name: Essential Utilities, Inc.
- filed_at: 2026-09-17T14:50:15+00:00
- event_type: regulatory
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.65
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.65
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 8.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/78128/000155278126000492/0001552781-26-000492-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/78128/000155278126000492/e26385_wtrg-8k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001552781-26-000492
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001552781-26-000492.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001552781-26-000492.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.