American States Water Company Announces New Name for Southern California Water Company; Southern California Water Company, Arden-Cordova Water Service and California Cities Water Company to be collectively known as Golden State Water Company

Business Wire, Sept 29, 2005

SAN DIMAS, Calif. -- American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) announced that its three California divisions (Southern California Water Company, Arden-Cordova Water Service and California Cities Water Company) will be collectively known as Golden State Water Company ("GSWC"), effective October 1, 2005. GSWC remains a wholly-owned subsidiary of AWR.

"Uniting these divisions of American States Water Company under this new name, Golden State Water Company, is the right move at the right time. Our business has been serving Californians for over 75 years, so this name better represents who we are," said President and CEO Floyd Wicks. "Golden State Water Company is a leading California business serving California residents, and this name will unify our divisions and exemplify our dedication to the 75 communities within which we serve."

Under this new name, GSWC will define its presence as one of the leading water service providers within the state of California, serving more than one million residents, while continuing to provide its service areas with the same great service and water that it has been providing since 1929. The structure of the company has not changed; however, all three divisions will now be joined under one name. The company will also continue to provide electricity to over 22,000 homes and businesses through its Bear Valley Electric Service, in Big Bear, Calif.

To learn more about this name change, please visit us at www.aswater.com. To learn more about the company, please contact Bob Sprowls, CFO of American States Water Company, at 909-394-3600.

About American States Water Company

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 (approximately 252,300 customers) and to approximately 12,800 customers in the city of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and portions of Scottsdale, Ariz. The Company also distributes electricity to approximately 22,800 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.