<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary information extracted from the
September 30, 1998 Aquarion Company form 10-q and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                             544
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    12963
<ALLOWANCES>                                      2085
<INVENTORY>                                       3608
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 40593
<PP&E>                                          489358
<DEPRECIATION>                                  146034
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  457086
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            39049
<BONDS>                                         141380
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                          7456
<OTHER-SE>                                      134114
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    457086
<SALES>                                          82178
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 82178
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    50680
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                7963
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  23688
<INCOME-TAX>                                     10520
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              13168
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     13168
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.78
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.74