SAN DIMAS, Calif., Nov 2, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) approved an increase in the amount of the quarterly dividend from $0.221 per share to $0.225 per share on the Common Shares of the Company. This action marks the 274th consecutive dividend payment and the 50th year American States Water Company shareholders have received an aggregate annual increase in their dividends.

Dividends on the Common Shares will be payable on December 1, 2004 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 12, 2004.

American States Water Company is the parent of Southern California Water Company, American States Utility Services, Inc. and Chaparral City Water Company. Through its subsidiaries, AWR provides water service to 1 out of 30 Californians located within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California and to approximately 12,000 customers in the city of Fountain Hills, Arizona and portions of Scottsdale, Arizona. The Company also distributes electricity to approximately 22,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. Through its non-regulated subsidiary, American States Utility Services, the company contracts with various municipalities, the U.S. Government and private entities to provide various services, including billing and meter reading, water marketing and operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.

SOURCE: American States Water Company

American States Water Company
Robert J. Sprowls, 909-394-3600, ext. 647