American States Water Company Announces Regular Common Dividends.

SAN DIMAS, Calif. -- On January 27, 2009, the Board of Directors of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) approved a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Common Shares of the Company. This action marks the 291st 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 March 2, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2009.

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 contracted services 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.