3rd Circuit Affirms Order Denying Judgment for Insurance Company in Lead Water Contamination Coverage Dispute

PHILADELPHIA –– The 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has affirmed a ruling issued by a District Court in a lead water contamination case that found an insurance company had a duty to defend a water utility company.

The 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals released its opinion on Jan. 6.

According to the 3rd Circuit, Essential Utilities sought excess coverage from its commercial umbrella liability insurer in order to defend itself against lawsuits asserting allegations of lead contamination in water sources.

Essential Utilities was formerly known as Aqua America, the 3rd Circuit noted, and is a water utility that …