CWA efforts to stop takeover

Corporate privatization of public water authorities negatively impacts the public’s access to a fundamental human right: clean, affordable water. Private companies are primarily driven by profit motives, leading to higher water rates and a lack of accountability to the communities they serve. For example, through privatization, the public loses its rights to its reservoirs and surrounding open space. In addition, higher water rates exacerbate existing inequalities, compromising the ability of low-income households to access safe drinking water and sanitation services.

Recognizing this, the CWA rejected Aqua’s unsolicited offer to purchase the CWA for $320 million. Since that offer was rejected in 2017, Aqua has been relentless in attempting to force a deal. As a result, the CWA has been fighting to preserve its very existence. Through the courts, the CWA has sought to place its assets in trust to ensure that it is able to continue providing high-quality and affordable water to its customers, as well as to protect and conserve the CWA’s assets (like the Octoraro Reservoir) for the benefit of Pennsylvania’s citizens. Aqua has opposed these efforts, resulting in years of costly litigation.

Read more about the CWA’s efforts to stop a takeover in the links below: