1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
California Water Service Company:
 
We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus. Our report
refers to changes in accounting for income taxes and postretirement benefits
other than pensions.
 
                                            KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
San Jose, California
August 24, 1994