Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jul. 27, 2020
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6659
Entity Registrant Name	ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	PA
Entity Tax Identification Number	23-1702594
Entity Address, Address Line One	762 W. Lancaster Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Bryn Mawr
Entity Address, State or Province	PA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	19010 -3489
City Area Code	610
Local Phone Number	527-8000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		245,151,093
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0000078128
Common Class A [Member]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.50 par value
Trading Symbol	WTRG
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Tangible Equity Units [Member]
Title of 12(b) Security	6.00% Tangible Equity Units
Trading Symbol	WTRU
Security Exchange Name	NYSE