Mega Water and Gas Merger Would Spell Disaster for Pittsburgh

For Immediate Release

Aqua America, the second largest U.S. private water company, has announced a plan to purchase Peoples Gas.

In response, Food & Water Watch Western Pennsylvania Outreach Liaison Doug Shields issued the following statement:

“Aqua America’s proposal to buy Peoples Gas is about more than just merging two giant companies. Aqua’s endgame is to wrest control of PWSA, Pittsburgh’s publicly-owned water system. If approved, this deal would be a disaster for Pittsburgh residents. Corporate water utilities charge more than publicly-owned systems, and cut corners in order to maximize profits. What’s worse, companies like Aqua are not as transparent as publicly-owned utilities, and cannot be held accountable by the public.

“Political leaders and regulators in Pennsylvania should say no to this water and gas mega-merger.”

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