California American Water Offers Assistance to Low Income Customers

H2O - Help to Others Program provides monthly assistance with water bills

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21- While water service continues to be a tremendous value compared to other utilities - less than a penny a gallon for most in Southern California - some families and fixed-income seniors may struggle to keep up with even modest increases, particularly in this challenging economy. California American Water is reaching out to its Southern California customers this month to remind them they can seek assistance under the Help to Others program for low- and fixed-income households.

"We want everyone to have access to a safe and reliable supply of water," said general manager Todd Brown. "Our Help to Others program ensures that a basic level of service is available to all, even seniors and families facing financial difficulties."

That is why California American Water is proud of its progressive "H2O - Help to Others" low-income ratepayer assistance program, which is offered to customers throughout our Southern California service areas.

The program offers a bill reduction for qualified low-income customers.

"These are economically challenging times but water is still essential," said Brown. "Our H2O -Help to Others program provides aid to those who need it most."

Eligibility is based on a household income formula that equates to up to approximately 200 percent of the federal poverty level and is determined when a customer fills out and returns a brief application with support information.

Customers who are already enrolled in Southern California Edison's California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program are automatically eligible.

H2O - Help to Others applications are mailed annually to customers as part of their bills. Sacramento area customers will receive a copy of the application in their next bill. In addition, the applications are available at our local offices, California American Water community events and online at www.californiaamwater.com

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE:AWK) , is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.