SAN DIMAS, CA, Oct 31, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- The Board of Directors of American States Water Company (NYSE: AWR) approved a quarterly dividend of $0.250 per share on the Common Shares of the Company. This action marks the 290th consecutive dividend payment by the Company. For more than 54 consecutive years, 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, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 12, 2008.

American States Water Company is the parent of Golden State Water Company, American States Utility Services, Inc. and Chaparral City Water Company. Through its subsidiaries, AWR provides water service to 1 out of 37 Californians located within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California (approximately 255,000 customers) and to over 13,000 customers in the city 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 non-regulated subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc., the Company contracts with the U.S. government and private entities to provide various services, including water marketing and operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.

CONTACT:
American States Water Company
Robert J. Sprowls
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Corporate Secretary
(909) 394-3600, extension 647

SOURCE: American States Water Company