Artesian Water Co. purchases Slaughter Beach Water Co.

Artesian Water Compan has announced the acquisition of Slaughter Beach Water Company. This acquisition illustrates Artesian’s strategy of expanding the provision of water services geographically throughout the state while utilizing locally staffed operations, so more Delawareans can enjoy the resources and reliability of service from a larger regulated utility.

The Slaughter Beach Water Company was founded in 1951 as a public water system in Delaware by the Draper family. Prior to World War II, two wells were used to provide water to a handful of homes in Slaughter Beach, and over the past 67 years, the Draper family expanded the system to serve the entire town. Artesian professionals are excited to continue providing high-quality water to the beautiful beach community.

“Artesian is a responsible utility with the funding to maintain the water system,” said Frank Draper, second-generation owner of Slaughter Beach Water Company. “I am sure Artesian’s acquisition of the company will be in the long-range benefit of the community of Slaughter Beach.” Artesian began serving the customers of Slaughter Beach Water Company April 1.

Artesian crews work around the clock monitoring water quality and supply to ensure customers continuously receive safe and reliable water service.

“Slaughter Beach is a beautiful, beachfront community, and Artesian is pleased to be able to provide its residents our superior service. Our purchase of Slaughter Beach Water Company is an excellent example of the role that investor capital can have in providing solutions to the future drinking water needs of communities currently served by small water systems,” said Dian C. Taylor, chair, president and CEO of Artesian Water Company.