Essential Utilities has named Alicia Beauchamp, a 20-year veteran of the company, as Director of its state-of-the-art water analysis and technology lab. The lab is a cornerstone of the company’s work to ensure water quality across the eight states where it operates Aqua water and wastewater services.  

Beauchamp played a significant role in the company’s industry-leading decision to test and remediate PFAS toxins in drinking water, setting a companywide standard for PFAS several years before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a limit on the chemicals.  

“New technologies enable us to detect contaminants much more precisely, and that knowledge carries a responsibility to treat what we find,” said Beauchamp. “Sometimes that means taking action before government regulators make decisions on what maximum safe levels should be. We’re very comfortable in that leadership role.”  

Most recently, Beauchamp’s leadership extended to supporting the greater Philadelphia region after a March 25 chemical spill in the Delaware River. Beauchamp’s team provided crucial laboratory testing for not only Aqua, but also the governmental agencies and other water providers looking to protect their customers during the five-day incident. 

Beauchamp now leads a staff of 19, including 13 chemists and microbiologists. In addition to its groundbreaking treatment research, the lab conducts nearly 90,000 water-quality tests each year.  

“Alicia’s strong leadership and focus on innovative water testing continues to be pivotal to our commitment to provide clean, safe, reliable water to all our customers,” said Christopher Crockett, Essential’s Chief Environmental, Safety and Sustainability Officer. 

Beauchamp joined Aqua as a co-op student in 1998 and became a chemist with the company in 2001. She’s held numerous positions within the lab, most recently as Chief of Organic Chemistry. Beauchamp earned a Master’s in chemistry from Villanova University and a BS in chemistry from Drexel University.  

She replaces Christine Brisbin, who retired. 

Learn more at Aqua Pennsylvania.