The quarterly dividend will be raised by 7.9 percent to $0.178 per share by Aqua America Inc (WTR).

Aqua has paid a consecutive quarterly dividend for 70 years and this is the company's 25th dividend increase in 24 years. The annualized dividend rate after this increase will equal $0.712 per share. Over the past 10 years, the company's annualized dividend has increased at an annual growth rate of 7.6 percent.

"The Board's decision to raise the dividend by 7.9 percent is a reflection of the organization's financial strength and its commitment to increase shareholder value," said Aqua America Board Chairman Nicholas DeBenedictis. "I am confident that Chris Franklin and his leadership team will continue to grow the company and build on the success that our customers, employees and shareholders have come to expect."

Aqua America, Inc. is the holding company for regulated utilities providing water or wastewater services to people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana and Virginia. In addition, the company’s market-based activities are conducted through Aqua Infrastructure, LLC and Aqua Resources, Inc. Aqua Infrastructure provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry. Aqua Resources provides water service through operating and maintenance contracts with a municipal authority and another party close to our utility companies’ service territory; and offers, through a third-party, water and sewer line protection solutions and repair services to households.