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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated June 23, 2000 included in this Form 11-K, into the
previously filed S-8 Registration Statement (File No. 33-71226) of Southern
California Water Company.




ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Los Angeles, California
June 23, 2000