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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 February 16, 2001 included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K into the following previously filed American States Water Company
and Southern California Water Company registration statements:




 Registration Form   Registration No.     Effective Date
                                  
       S - 8              33-71226       November 4, 1993
       S - 3             333-68201      December 16, 1998
       S - 3             333-68299      December 22, 1998
       S - 3             333-88979       October 26, 1999



It should be noted that we have not audited any financial statements of the
Company subsequent to December 31, 2000 or performed any audit procedures
subsequent to the date of our report.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Los Angeles, California
February 26, 2001