GREENVILLE, Pa. - Essential Utilities Inc. announced on Wednesday morning that its Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary has finalized its purchase of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority for $18 million.

The sale was approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on January 15 and comes one year after Aqua purchased the Greenville Sanitary Authority's wastewater system.

All employees at the Greenville Municipal Water Authority were offered employment at Aqua.

The system serves more than 2,900 in Greenville, as well as Hempfield Township and West Salem Township.

"Our customers in Greenville and the surrounding communities already count on us for safe and reliable wastewater service. Now, they'll be able to count on us to provide them with the highest quality drinking water," Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin said in a press release.

Franklin goes on to say the company is committed to investing in upgrades to Greenville's water system to bring long-term benefits to customers.

These upgrades include a $10 million investment into the system, which consists of 40 miles of main pipelines, over the next 10 years. Improvements will be made to improve system operations and meet regulatory, environmental and cybersecurity demands.

Residents can expect to receive communications from Aqua outlining their service schedules and procedures.

"Investing in water infrastructure is not optional; it is essential for drinking water quality. The repairs and upgrades planned for the water system in Greenville will improve reliability and service for our customers at the start and for years to come," said Aqua Pennsylvania President Mark Luca.

This change will not impact customers' water rates.