SAN DIMAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2004--The Board of Directors of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) approved payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.221 per share on the Common Shares of the Company. This action marks the 273rd consecutive dividend payment to shareholders made by American States Water Company.

Dividends on the Common Shares will be payable on September 1, 2004 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 9, 2004.

American States Water Company is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries, 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 distributes electricity to approximately 22,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California, and contracts with various municipalities and private entities in both California and Arizona to provide services to an additional 97,000 customers.

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

SOURCE: American States Water Company