[LETTERHEAD OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]

                                 EXHIBIT 23.1


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Southwest Water Company:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 33-
21154) on Form S-3 and the registration statements (Nos. 33-28918 and 33-73174)
on Form S-8 of Southwest Water Company of our reports dated January 23, 1996
relating to the consolidated balance sheets of Southwest Water Company and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in common stockholders' equity and cash flows and
related schedule for each of the years in the three-year period  ended December
31, 1995, which reports appear in the December 31, 1995 annual report on Form
10-K of Southwest Water Company.

                                    
                                         KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Los Angeles, California
March 29, 1996