SAN DIMAS, Calif., Apr 27, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

On April 26, 2011, the Board of Directors of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) approved a $0.02 per share increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.28 per share on the Common Shares of the Company. This represents a 7.7% increase in the quarterly dividend. This action marks the 300th consecutive dividend payment by the Company. For more than 56 consecutive years, American States Water Company shareholders have received an increase in their aggregate annual dividend.

"By approving this increase, the Board of Directors have affirmed their continued confidence in the Company and its growth prospects by rewarding those who have supported us for many years - our shareholders," said Robert J. Sprowls, President and CEO of American States Water Company.

Dividends on the Common Shares will be payable on June 1, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 12, 2011.

American States Water Company is the parent of Golden State Water Company, American States Utility Services, Inc., and Chaparral City Water Company (pending sale). Through its subsidiaries, AWR provides water service to approximately 1 out of 36 Californians within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California, (approximately 256,000 customers) and to over 13,000 customers in the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona and a small portion of Scottsdale, Arizona. The Company also distributes electricity to over 23,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. Through its contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc., the Company provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country.

SOURCE: American States Water Company

American States Water Company
Eva G. Tang
Senior Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Corporate Secretary
(909) 394-3600, extension 707