Quarterlytics / Utilities / Regulated Water / California Water Service Group

California Water Service Group

cwt · NYSE Utilities
Claim this profile
Ticker cwt
Exchange NYSE
Sector Utilities
Industry Regulated Water
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2021 Annual Report · California Water Service Group
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

TODAY

California Water  
Service Group

2021 Summary  
Annual Report

TOMORROW

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

We are more than just a utility company.

We are supporters of charitable organizations, pouring HEART & SOUL 
into enhancing the quality of life for all of our stakeholders. 

We are defenders of the planet, making meaningful contributions to  
CONSERVE & PROTECT our natural resources. 

We are planners and doers, working day in and day out to ensure that  
we are READY & ABLE to respond to emergencies. 

We are disciplined visionaries, investing in both the NEW & IMPROVED—
purchasing new water and wastewater systems and upgrading our  
existing infrastructure.

We are all of these things, because we are dedicated to meeting the  
needs of TODAY & TOMORROW.

1

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

HEART

SOUL

2

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

2021 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT

People are at the heart of everything we do. Whether we are conducting a 
water quality test, responding to an after-hours emergency, or enrolling a 
customer in our low-income assistance program, we are motivated by our 
commitment to improving the quality of life for those we serve. That’s why 
we support organizations that share our dedication to making good things 
happen in our communities.

Much of our philanthropy is focused on helping people meet their day-to-day 
needs. But we also recognize the importance of nurturing the soul, and 
nothing does that better than nature. That’s why we invest in programs  
that teach young people how to protect the planet. The centerpiece of this 
effort is our H2O Challenge, a classroom competition that teaches students  
about water. Now, a new partnership will enable disadvantaged kids to 
experience firsthand the wonder of the ocean.

3

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

1.6  
Million

IN TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Spreading the Love

Each year, we contribute to a wide variety of 
charitable organizations in our service areas. On 
any given day, you might find us delivering new 
school shoes to underserved kids, unloading badly 
needed pallets of toilet paper and paper towels 
at a warehouse serving the homeless, or packing 
dinner boxes and toys into car trunks while the 
families inside wait for Santa Claus to arrive. 

38%   At-Risk/Underserved Communities

25%   Community Improvement

11%    Local Economic Renewal

10%   Environment

9%     Education & Youth Support

3%     First Responders

2%     Veterans

1%     Animal Welfare

1%     Health Care

4

4

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Putting Others First

In 2021, our philanthropy was augmented 
by $600,000 in personal contributions from 
our executive team and Board of Directors, 
enabling us to make a meaningful difference 
in even more people’s lives. 

CHICO HOUSING ACTION TEAM FOR EVERHART VILLAGE

We contributed to this high-barrier transitional housing shelter for patients of Butte 
County Behavioral Health who have demonstrated a desire to change their lives and an 
ability to rejoin the community in a safe and productive way. 

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

We’re helping to fund desperately needed satellite clubs within two public housing 
developments in Stockton, California. The clubs will offer transformational educational 
opportunities, including science, technology, engineering, and math, for hundreds of 
disadvantaged youth. 

OTHER RECIPIENTS

We donated the remaining $200k to food banks, missions, shelters, and other 
organizations throughout our service areas. 

5

600,000

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Partnering for Conservation

In 2021, we entered into a partnership with 
the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 
Foundation, which supports the Monterey Bay 
National Marine Sanctuary in its efforts to 
protect marine life and their habitat. We look 
forward to working with the Foundation to 
provide opportunities for kids from disadvantaged 
communities in our Salinas and King City Districts 
to experience the beauty of the Monterey Bay and 
motivate them to take part in conservation efforts. 

6

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Inspiring Students to Make a Difference

Our annual Cal Water H2O Challenge is a free, project-based 
competition for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade classrooms and 
school-based clubs to develop and implement solutions to local 
water challenges. In 2021, Barbara Elrod and her fifth- and sixth-
grade students from Munsey Elementary in Bakersfield, California, 
took first place for their project, “Greywater: It’s Not Grey, It’s Blue.” 
Their research and experiments culminated in a water website that 
educates the community on the value of greywater. 

“ It gave them a reason to be invested in math, science, 
writing, and research … I believe the biggest impact of this 
project is that greywater will be seen as a benefit, and will 
open the door for the community to have an inevitable  
conversation about this untapped resource.”

Barbara Elrod, teacher

4,255

students have participated in the  
H2O Challenge since its inception in 2013

7

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

CONSERVE

PROTECT

8

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

2021 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT

One of the most significant ways we mitigate climate change is by helping 
our customers conserve water, because saving water doesn’t only save  
water, it also saves the energy required to treat and deliver the water. And 
water conservation isn’t just good for the planet; it also helps us weather 
increasingly severe droughts. It’s so much more than low-flow showerheads, 
and it’s critically important for both sustainability and reliability. 

Protecting the planet is key to the sustainability of our business. Our  
climate change strategy is focused on reducing our own and our customers’ 
contributions to climate change; managing the impact of climate change 
on our water systems and supplies; ramping up collaboration with 
government and other agencies; setting time-bound mitigation and 
adaptation goals; and reporting transparently on our progress.  

9

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Making Water Conservation Easy

We offer conservation programs that reflect the unique needs of  
each customer and community. For example, we provide rebates on 
water-efficient appliances and devices, free showerheads and  
shut-off hose nozzles, and information about everything from 
detecting leaks to irrigating efficiently. And we are always looking  
for ways to enhance our programs. 

Investing in projects 
that save water

SPRAY-TO-DRIP

LAWN-TO-GARDEN

The Spray-to-Drip program 
provides a rebate to  
customers who replace 
standard sprinklers with 
drip irrigation, which uses 
20% to 50% less water.

Our Lawn-to-Garden  
program provides a rebate 
for turf removal when 
a portion of the lawn is 
replaced with drought- 
tolerant plant material.

SMART LANDSCAPE  
TUNE-UP

Through the Smart  
Landscape Tune-Up  
program, we identify and 
repair irrigation leaks and 
upgrade broken or leaking 
sprinklers, all at no charge 
to the customer. 

Our programs  
saved 48 million 
gallons of water 
in 2021 

10

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

HAWAII WATER COMPLETES   
IN-LINE HYDRO-TURBINE

On the Big Island of Hawaii, we constructed an 
in-line hydro-turbine that will use the flow of 
water to generate electricity, reducing the amount 
of power required to pump water to customers. 
When commissioned in 2022, it will reduce the 
water system’s environmental footprint and 
reduce costs for customers. 

Prioritizing Sustainability

We provide a precious natural resource, so protecting the 
environment has always been core to our business. In 2021, we 
adopted a formal climate change strategy that will enable us to 
make an even greater impact on sustainability. One key element 
of that strategy is managing the effects of climate change on 
our Company. Our 2021 Climate Change Risk Assessment & 
Adaptation Framework, which analyzes how climate change 
could impact each facility in every water system we own in 
California, will help us do just that. 

Investing in projects that  
minimize our contribution  
to climate change

RECYCLED WATER PUT TO WORK IN CALIFORNIA

In 2021, Cal Water began providing recycled water 
to a community near Madera, California. This new 
Membrane Bioreactor and Ultraviolet Disinfection 
Plant provides recycled water for use on construction 
sites and for irrigation of landscaping, including 
vineyards and tree nurseries. This is one small step 
toward our long-term goal of increasing recycled 
water use to 5% of our total water supply by 2035. 

11

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

READY

ABLE

12

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

2021 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT

We make it our business to ensure that our employees are ready for 
anything. Whether we are establishing protocols and supplying personal 
protective equipment to keep them healthy and safe through a global 
pandemic or providing emergency response training to help them 
manage everything from wildfires to storms, we provide the tools our 
people need to be successful.

When tested, our employees show time and time again that they are able 
to handle whatever comes their way. While every emergency is unique, 
our primary responsibility is to provide a safe and reliable water supply. 
That can mean deploying crews and making operational changes to keep 
water flowing through the system or, if that’s impossible, distributing 
an emergency water supply to the community.

13

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Remaining Alert and Ready

Preparing for wildfires takes planning and a sustained effort 
that is informed by previous emergencies. Every year, our 
Wildfire Taskforce takes a systematic approach to ensuring 
that our teams are adequately trained, vegetation around our 
facilities is maintained, facilities and equipment are functional 
and strategically located, and lines of communication are 
open with fire agencies and other first responders. To augment 
the Taskforce’s efforts, we are forming regional Operations 
Rapid Response Teams. These teams will have advanced 
training on first aid and CPR, emergency response leadership, 
safety, and water system operations—and will be ready to 
deploy at a moment’s notice. 

BRING IN THE GOATS!

Vegetation management is fundamental  
to protecting our water systems from  
wildfires. In Oroville, we developed a sustainable, 
low-cost solution for the four acres of wildlife 
habitat adjacent to our water treatment plant. 
How did we get the job done?  
With 250 hungry goats, of course.

PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES   
EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

In 2021, we partnered with Pano.AI, which helps fire professionals 
detect and respond quickly to fires. The innovative company 
requires sites that offer long-distance views and are equipped 
with both power and cell service. One of our facilities in Los Altos, 
California fit the bill. Now, a panoramic camera is mounted and 
connected, providing an early warning system to first responders 
should a fire start.

14

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Springing Into Action 

When a small forest blaze grew into the French Fire in August 2021, our Kern River 
Valley District team kicked into high gear, activating our Emergency Operations 
Center and reaching out to Kern County Fire Department to offer support. 
We worked around the clock to keep our water systems operational, placing 
emergency generators and modifying operations in order to monitor water levels. 
Embedded in the fire camp, our management shared water supply status with the 
fire strike team and worked with first responders to get behind fire lines to refuel 
our generators. After the danger passed, we provided bottled water to customers 
to use until water quality testing could be completed, collected water samples for 
testing, and issued bill credits to evacuated customers. 

Within 5 days of one 

of our pump stations 
being burned in the 
fire, we had partially 
reconstructed it to 
provide water to 
customers returning 
from mandatory 
evacuation. 

“ Cal Water stepped up to figure out a way to 
assist and be an asset for first responders.  
As a result of their commitment, we were very 
successful with the French Fire.”

Dionisio Mitchell, Deputy Chief Operations,  
Kern County Fire

15

 
HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Responding to a Historic Storm

In October 2021, the Bay Area of northern California marked the end of an 
extraordinarily dry year with a brutal storm that brought historic rainfall 
and strong winds. In our Redwood Valley District, the storm caused a 
large water main break, which drained our storage tanks and reduced 
water pressure in the system that serves 275 customers. Within an hour 
of receiving a report of a leak, our team arrived on scene, located the 
problem, and called in reinforcements to make repairs. Over the next four 
days, our employees showed off their emergency response skills and their 
commitment to our customers. 

36,504

That’s how many bottles of water we 
distributed. It’s not required; it’s just 
one way we help during emergencies.

16

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

REDWOOD VALLEY STORM RECOVERY:  
RIGHT ON SCHEDULE

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

8:30pm   Customer reports leak 

9:15pm  

 Cal Water on site, shuts off well pump and tank  
valve to isolate leak and calls in construction crew

10:00pm  Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated and staffed 

10:15pm   Construction crew begins repairs

10:30pm   Cal Water notifies state’s health department

10:45pm   Team calls for more employees and resources from Stockton

11:00pm  Team notifies fire department of water loss

1:00am  Cal Water notifies elementary school superintendent 

7:30am  

 Team has bottled water distribution center up and running,  
Bay Area team arrives with additional bottled water and  
Emergency Response Trailer

8:15am  

Crews begin door-to-door notification

11:00am   Door-to-door notification is complete

2:30pm   Crew completes repairs, begins flushing system

7:30am  

 Flushing completed, crews collect samples for water quality testing

1:00pm  Lab receives first set of samples

9:00am   Crews begin collecting second set of samples for testing

DAY 4

3:00pm  Lab receives second set of samples

DAY 5

3:00pm  

 All water quality tests are good. Customers are notified 
by email, text, and phone. Crews also go door to door.

6:30pm  Emergency response complete

17

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

NEW

IMPROVED

18

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

2021 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT

One part of our growth strategy is seeking opportunities to acquire water 
and wastewater systems that not only add value to our business, but also 
benefit the new customers and communities we’ll be serving. When 
people are better off than they were before we stepped in to serve them, 
we build upon our success. And we often get the opportunity to do that 
because our purpose-driven reputation precedes us. 

An equally important part of our growth strategy is investing capital in  
the infrastructure needed to provide the water and wastewater service  
our communities require to survive and thrive. As a regulated utility 
company, we earn a return on capital invested in aging infrastructure 
replacement and upgrades that increase reliability and improve quality. 
That’s why the successful execution of our capital improvement plan  
is a win-win for both customers and stockholders. 

19

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

4,600*

new customers added in 2021

We added 3,585 customers through 
acquisitions and 1,015 through 
expansion in existing services areas.

Expanding Our Footprint into the Lone Star State 

In 2021, we made company history when we expanded into a fifth state: the great 
state of Texas. Our newest subsidiary, Texas Water Service, invests in water and 
wastewater infrastructure through a joint venture with utility owner/operator BVRT 
Utility Holding Company. BVRT currently operates five wastewater utilities that 
will serve up to 61,000 connections. Opportunities for future growth abound, as the 
population increases and more and more businesses choose to call the area home.

Apple Campus

Amazon  
Expansion

General  
Motors

Indeed

Austin

Facebook 
Expansion

Intel

Google Austin 
Expansion

Samsung

Tesla Giga 
Factory

San Antonio

Austin

New  
Texas  
Utilities

Rackspace  
Technology

San Antonio

20

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

$96

million invested to replace  
27 miles of water lines in 2021

$293

million invested in infrastructure  
in 2021

Investing in the Future of Our Communities 

Water system infrastructure delivers the lifeblood of the communities we serve.  
Something so critical cannot be allowed to age and deteriorate, which is why we invest  
time and effort into capital investment planning and execution. In 2021, we faced 
headwinds: the continuing pandemic, supply chain shortages, and a never-before-seen 
acceleration in drought conditions. With significant effort, we completed many projects  
that are key to future reliability.

52 capital projects were  

advanced in 2021 to prepare us for 
wildfires and power interruptions, 
including emergency generators,  
power transfer switches, fire  
hydrants, and new water lines. 

STATE-OF-THE-ART LAB

We cut the ribbon on a newly updated 
water quality laboratory, welcoming 
our team of scientists and chemists into 
an expanded and reconfigured space 
equipped with new lab equipment. 

21

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Our Business at a Glance

OUR MISSION

To be the leading provider of water and wastewater services

OUR PURPOSE

To enhance the quality of life for our customers, communities, 
employees, and stockholders

OUR OPERATING IMPERATIVES

Affordable, Excellent Service / Sustainability and Community 
Impact / Public Health and Safety / Enhanced Stockholder Value / 
Employees as Best Advocates

22

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

FOUNDED IN

1926

 2M+population served  

through 547,600 service  
connections

1,200 

EMPLOYEES

SERVICE CONNECTIONS BY STATE

Washington

36,400

California

494,500

 Hawaii

6,200 

New Mexico  

8,600   

111 

billion gallons  
of drinking water  
delivered annually

550

million gallons  
of wastewater  
processed annually

Texas

1,900

23

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

To Our Shareholders

There are two schools of thought: One says live in the present 
moment. The other says plan, prepare, and work for the future.  
We say for us, both are necessary. Water is the lifeblood of  
our communities, and there is nothing more important than 
providing the safe, reliable water and wastewater services our 
customers need today. But it is also critical for us to look ahead, 
anticipate change, and take action to ensure that we are ready for  
the challenges tomorrow brings. 

24

 
HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

MEETING THE NEEDS OF TODAY

In 2021, we faced significant headwinds: COVID transmission flared, supply chains slowed, 
inflation grew, and the drought worsened. In spite of it all, we delivered on our promise to provide 
quality, service, and value. In addition to the highlights featured on the previous pages, we: 

 Met or surpassed all primary state and federal water quality standards,  
which are set to protect public health, in all 315 of our water systems

 Treated 550 million gallons of wastewater safely and with no adverse  
environmental impacts

 Expanded customer service hours at our regional service centers to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,  
and introduced service via chat

 Activated our Drought Response Taskforce, initiated Drought Response Plans,  
and mobilized to accelerate critical water supply projects 

 Recruited a former California Public Utilities Commission Water Division Director  
to support our regulatory affairs efforts  

 Offered cash incentives for employee vaccinations and continued to vigorously  
protect employee health and safety

 Stepped up our supplier diversity efforts and increased our spending  
with diverse vendors to 20.85%

 Added new customers in every state we serve, signed an agreement to purchase a 
wastewater system serving 1,800 customers on the island of Kauai, and invested in  
a growing wastewater utility company in Texas

 Secured more than $20 million in relief funds for customers who accrued overdue balances 
during the height of the pandemic

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Capital Investment in Infrastructure

$300M

$250M

$200M

$150M

$100M

$50M

$0

$1.4 

  billion invested over five years

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

infrastructure investment = safety + quality + reliability 

Financial Highlights

Dollars in thousands, except per common share data

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31

Market price at year end

Book value per share

Earnings per share (diluted) 

Dividend per share

Operating revenue

Net income attributable to  
California Water Service Group

2021

$71.86

$22.02

$1.96

$0.92

2020

$54.03

$18.30

$1.97

2019

$51.56

$16.07

$1.31

2018

$47.66

$15.19

$1.36

2017

1

$45.35

$14.56

$1.52

$0.850

$0.790

$0.750

$0.720

$790,909

$794,307

$714,557

$698,196

$676,113

$101,125

$96,831

$63,116

$65,584

$72,940

 1 The 2017 reported financial data was adjusted to reflect an immaterial computational error that resulted in an understatement 
of operating revenue, net income attributable to California Water Service Group, and earnings per share.

26

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

PREPARING FOR A BRIGHT TOMORROW 

We recognize the critical role we play in the lives of those we serve, and each day we do what it 
takes to keep our water flowing and our communities thriving. We also take steps each day to 
meet the challenges of tomorrow. 

One of the most impactful ways we prepare for the future is by investing strategically in our 
water system infrastructure. By maintaining and upgrading our systems today, we ensure that 
they will be reliable for our customers’ kids and grandkids. In 2021, we invested $293 million in 
water infrastructure, enhancing our lab, replacing water lines, building treatment plants, and 
making other vital upgrades. 

Our ability to invest in water system infrastructure is directly tied to our success in managing 
the rate-setting process with our regulatory commissions. This process is not simply a 
mathematical exercise; it is foundational to the sustainability of our business. It’s making a 
case to the commissions that will enable us to make the investments necessary to deliver safe, 
clean water now and in the future—one that will satisfy customers, provide financial stability, 
and give us the resources we need to take care of our employees. In our 2021 California filing, 
we requested approval to invest $1.02 billion in water infrastructure from 2022 through 2024 
and proposed a rate structure that balances the needs of our customers and the business. 

We are already planning for our next filing in 2024, using the findings from our engineering 
studies, Water Supply Reliability Plans, and Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation 
Framework as a basis for our capital planning.

27

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) 
Accomplishments in 2021:

Published first framework-aligned ESG Report

Adopted four new ESG-related policies

Established an ESG governance framework

Developed a climate change strategy

Completed our Climate Change Risk Assessment  
& Adaptation Framework

Conducted a robust ESG goal-setting process 

Some Highlights from ESG Objective-Setting:

Invest

Purchase

Develop

no less than $5 million in emissions-
reducing energy solutions, such as 
renewables and low-carbon energy 
sources, over the next 10 years

Increase

the use of recycled water in our 
operations to no less than 5% of total 
water supply to customers by 2035

100% zero-emission passenger vehicles 
in California by 2035

Meet

the per-capita water use targets 
mandated by the state of California  
for each district, effective in 2027

an enterprise-wide renewable power 
purchasing strategy by 2023 to pursue 
opportunities to increase renewable 
electricity use and decrease Scope 2 
greenhouse gas emissions

28

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

PROGRESSING ON OUR ESG JOURNEY

Another key to the sustainability of our Company: our Environmental, Social, and Governance 
(ESG) efforts. In 2021, we continued to make significant progress that will drive results well 
into the future. We adopted a climate change strategy and completed a very detailed climate 
change risk assessment. We also brainstormed with subject matter experts throughout the 
business and set a number of measurable, time-bound, short- and long-term ESG objectives 
with input and approval from our Officers and Board of Directors. 

Most importantly, we have fully integrated ESG into our strategic planning and our 
Enterprise Risk Management, and it will continue to be a priority throughout the  
Company going forward. For more information, please see the full 2021 ESG Report  
at www.calwatergroup.com/esg2021. 

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the commitment and 
dedication of our people. In 2o21, we welcomed Dr. Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado as our  
newest Director. Internationally renowned for her research, knowledge, and expertise in 
infectious disease control and international health, Dr. Maldonado brings unique perspective 
and valuable insight to our Board. And at the beginning of 2022, we added two officers to  
our leadership team who will most certainly contribute to our continued success:  
Sophie M. James, our Chief Water Quality Officer, and Kenneth G. Jenkins, our Chief Water 
Resource Sustainability Officer. We are confident in our entire team and look forward to  
what lies ahead.   

We thank you for your confidence and continued investment in California Water Service Group.

martin a. kropelnicki
President & Chief Executive Officer

peter c. nelson
Chairman of the Board

29

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

CWT 20-YEAR  
TOTAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT

On $100 stock purchase on December 31, 2001, with dividends reinvested

$613
 $1,021

$100
$100

$1,000

$800

$600

$400

$200

$0

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

JAN 
2021

DEC 
2021

30

 
HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

8-YEAR  

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Summary of Operations
Operating revenue1 

Operating expenses1,2 

Interest expense, other income and expenses, net2  

Net income1 

Common Share Data 
Earnings per share (diluted)1 

Dividend declared 

Dividend payout ratio 

Book value 

Market price at year end 

Common shares outstanding at year end (in thousands) 

Return on average common stockholders’ equity 

Long-term debt interest coverage 

Balance Sheet Data 
Net utility plant 

Total assets 

Long-term debt, including current portion 

Capitalization ratios: 

Common stockholders’ equity 

Long-term debt 

Other Data 
Water production (in million gallons) 

Customers at year end, including Hawthorne and Commerce 

547,600

New customers added 

Operating revenue per customer 

Utility plant per customer 

Employees at year end 

4,600

$1,439

$7,638

1,182 

1  The 2017 reported financial data was adjusted to reflect an immaterial computational error that resulted in an  
understatement of operating revenue, operating expenses, net income, and earnings per share.

2  The eight-year financial review for 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 reflect the retrospective adoption of new pension 
accounting requirements (ASU 2017-07). The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The eight-year 
financial review for 2015, 2014, and 2013 reflect the retrospective adoption of ASU 2015-03, which requires that 
debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt 
liability. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2016.

Dollars in thousands, except per common share and other data

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

$790,909

$664,139

$25,791

$101,125

$794,307

$657,641

$39,835

$96,831

$714,557

$698,196 

$676,113 

$609,370 

$588,368 

$597,499 

$615,145 

$587,656 

$569,030 

$526,734 

$506,803 

$508,631

$36,296 

$63,116 

$44,956 

$65,584 

$34,143 

$72,940

$33,961 

$48,675

$36,548 

$45,017

$32,130 

$56,738

$1.96

$0.920

47%

$22.02

$71.86

53,716

9.6%

3.52

$2,846,862

$3,623,271

$1,060,986

52.7%

47.3%

110,519

$1.97

$0.850

43%

$18.30

$54.03

50,334

11.4%

3.87

$1.31

$0.790

60% 

$16.07

$51.56

48,532

8.4%

3.10

$1.36 

$0.750 

55% 

$15.19

$47.66

48,065

9.2%

3.57

$1.52

$0.720

47%

$14.56

$45.35 

48,012 

10.7% 

4.58

$1.01 

$0.690 

68%

$13.75 

$33.90 

47,965 

7.5% 

3.45

$0.94 

$0.670

71% 

$13.41 

$23.27 

47,875 

7.1% 

3.67

$1.19

$0.650 

55%

$13.11 

$24.61 

47,806 

9.3%

4.29

$2,650,558

$2,406,370

$2,232,723

$2,047,965 

$1,859,277

$1,701,768 

$1,590,431 

$3,394,248

$3,111,308

$2,837,704 

$2,744,710 

$2,411,745

$2,241,253 

$2,182,711 

$786,227

$808,622

$814,938 

$531,713

$557,953

$514,045 

$421,200

54.0%

46.0%

49.10%

50.90%

47.3% 

52.7% 

56.8% 

43.2%

54.2%

45.8%

55.5% 

44.5% 

59.8% 

40.2% 

110,742

543,000

22,400

$1,463

$7,165

1,192 

104,735

520,600

3,100

$1,373

$6,820

1,207

107,589 

517,500 

3,200

$1,349

$6,240

1,184 

104,986 

514,300 

2,800 

$1,315 

$5,775 

1,176 

99,096 

98,899 

511,500 

509,000 

2,500 

$1,191 

$5,312 

1,163 

2,900 

$1,156 

$4,925 

1,155 

118,282 

506,100 

3,200 

$1,181 

$4,628 

1,105

31

 
 
HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gregory E. Aliff
Former Vice Chairman and 
Senior Partner of U.S. Energy 
& Resources, Deloitte LLP
Director since 2015. Chair of the Audit 
Committee. Member of the Enterprise 
Risk Management, Safety, and  
Security Committee.

Martin A. Kropelnicki
President and Chief  
Executive Officer of  
California Water  
Service Group
Director since 2013

Terry P. Bayer
Former Chief  
Operating Officer,  
Molina Healthcare Inc.
Director since 2014. Chair  
of the Finance and Capital  
Investment Committee.  
Member of the Audit Committee and 
the Organization and  
Compensation Committee.

Thomas M. Krummel, M.D.
Emile Homan and Chair  
Emeritus, Department of  
Surgery, Stanford University 
School of Medicine
Director since 2010. Chair of the  
Organization and Compensation  
Committee. Member of the Nominating and 
Corporate Governance Committee.

Yvonne A. Maldonado, M.D.
Professor of Global Health  
and Infectious Diseases,  
Departments of Pediatrics and  
Epidemiology and Population 
Health, Stanford University
Director since 2021. Member of the Enterprise 
Risk Management, Safety, and Security 
Committee and Nominating and Corporate  
Governance Committee.

Scott L. Morris
Chairman,  
Avista Corporation
Director since 2019. Member of the 
Enterprise Risk Management, Safety, 
and Security Committee and the 
Organization and Compensation 
Committee.

Carol M. Pottenger
Principal and Owner of  
CMP Global, LLC, and 
Retired U.S. Navy  
Vice Admiral
Director since 2017. Vice Chair of the  
Enterprise Risk Management, Safety, 
and Security Committee. Member of 
the Finance and Capital Investment 
Committee and the Nominating and 
Corporate Governance Committee.

Lester A. Snow
Former Director of the  
California Department  
of Water Resources
Director since 2011. Chair of the  
Enterprise Risk Management, Safety, 
and Security Committee. Member of  
the Finance and Capital Investment  
Committee and the Organization 
and Compensation Committee.

Shelly M. Esque
Former Vice President  
and Global Director of 
Corporate Affairs,  
Intel Corporation
Director since 2018. Member of the 
Enterprise Risk Management, Safety, 
and Security Committee and the 
Nominating and Corporate Gover-
nance Committee.

Richard P. Magnuson
Managing Director,  
Orpheum Capital and  
Lead Director of California  
Water Service Group
Director since 1996. Chair of the  
Nominating and Corporate  
Governance Committee. Member of  
the Audit Committee and the Finance 
and Capital Investment Committee.

Peter C. Nelson
Chairman of the Board  
of California Water  
Service Group
Director since 1996

Patricia K. Wagner
Former Group President, 
U.S. Utilities,  
Sempra Energy
Director since 2019. Member of the 
Audit Committee and the Finance 
and Capital Investment Committee.

32

 
HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

CORPORATE OFFICERS

Shannon C. Dean
Vice President, 
Customer Service & 
Chief Citizenship Officer

David B. Healey
Vice President & 
Corporate Controller 

Martin A. Kropelnicki
President & 
Chief Executive Officer

Robert J. Kuta
Vice President,  
Engineering & Chief Water  
Quality & Environmental  
Compliance Officer

Michael B. Luu
Vice President,  
Information Technology &  
Chief Risk Officer

Michael S. Mares
Vice President,  
Operations

Lynne P. McGhee
Vice President,  
General Counsel

Greg A. Milleman
Vice President,  
Rates & Regulatory Affairs

Michelle R. Mortensen
Vice President, 
Corporate Secretary &  
Chief of Staff 

Elissa Y. Ouyang
Vice President, Fleet,  
Facilities, & Procurement

Todd K. Peters
Chief Engineering Officer

Thomas F. Smegal, III
Vice President,  
Chief Financial Officer &  
Treasurer

Paul G. Townsley
Vice President,  
Corporate Development

Ronald D. Webb
Vice President, 
Chief Human Resources Officer

33

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

CORPORATE INFORMATION

To Transfer Stock

A change of ownership of shares (such as when stock is sold  
or gifted or when owners are deleted from or added to stock  
certificates) requires a transfer of stock. To transfer stock, 
the owner must complete the assignment on the back of the 
certificate and sign it exactly as his or her name appears on 
the front. This signature must be guaranteed by an eligible 
guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan 
associations, and credit unions with membership in approved 
signature medallion programs) pursuant to SEC Rule 17Ad-15. 
A notary’s acknowledgment is not acceptable. This certificate 
should then be sent to Computershare Investor Services 
(Computershare) by registered or certified mail with complete 
transfer instructions. Alternatively, the Direct Registration 
System can be utilized, which allows electronic share 
transactions between your broker or dealer and Computershare.

Anticipated Dividend Dates for 2022

QUARTER  DECLARATION  RECORD DATE  PAYMENT DATE

First   

January 26 

February 7 

February 18

Second 

April 27 

May 9 

May 20

Third 

July 27 

August 8 

August 19

Fourth  

October 26 

November 7 

November 18

Annual Report for 2021 on Form 10-K

A copy of the Company’s annual report for 2021 filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-K is 
available and can be obtained by any stockholder at no charge 
upon written request to the Company. The Company’s filings 
with the SEC can be viewed via the link to the SEC’s EDGAR 
system on the Company’s website. 

Computershare  
Investor Services

462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600 
Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Bond Registrar

U.S. Bank Trust, N.A. 
One California Street 
San Francisco, California 94111 
415.273.4580

Executive Office and  
Stockholder Information

California Water Service Group 
Attn: Stockholder Relations 
1720 North First Street 
San Jose, California 95112 
408.367.8200 or 800.750.8200 
www.calwatergroup.com

Annual Meeting 

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders 
will be held online on Wednesday, 
May 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. PT.  
Details of the business to be 
transacted during the meeting will 
be contained in the proxy material, 
which will be mailed to stockholders 
on or about April 13, 2022.

34

HOME

WHO
WE ARE

SERVICE 
AREAS

LETTER TO 
STOCKHOLDERS

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

DIRECTORS  
& OFFICERS

™

1720 North First Street 
San Jose, California 95112-4508 
Phone: 408.367.8200  
www.calwatergroup.com 

NYSE: CWT

35