SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 28 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of its commitment to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves, California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) and its subsidiaries donated $2.19 million to community organizations, first responders and students in 2021. Last year’s contributions exceeded 2020 charitable and community giving by approximately half a million dollars.

In 2021, the Group dedicated 38% of its community efforts to at-risk, underserved and disadvantaged communities. An additional 11% went to community improvement efforts in utility service areas and 10% to environmental sustainability initiatives. The rest of the donations went to various initiatives, such as education and youth programs, support for veterans, animal welfare and health care. The group’s donations also included $90,000 in college scholarships to help students continue their education. Among the contributions, the group has given donations of $200,000 each to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, to provide youth outreach programs for wildlife conservation and protection; the Chico Housing Action Team, to cover the costs of all water-related components of a new village of tiny houses; and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento, to provide a lab and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program at Club sites in South Stockton. According to President and CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki, the group wanted to make large, focused donations to increase the impact these organizations could have on those in need. To help support charities dear to employees, the Group also launched an employee charitable giving program, in which contributions to non-profit organizations would be doubled up to $250 per employee per calendar year. Employees and the utility have donated a total of $14,200 since the program was introduced in September 2021. “At California Water Service Group, we have always been passionate about doing the right thing and giving back to the communities we we serve,” Kropelnicki said. “Over the past year, we have sought out opportunities where our contributions could have the greatest impact on those in need, this support is important to our team members and allows us to continue to improve the quality of life of our local communities.” All contributions are part of the Group’s philanthropic giving program and do not affect customer rates.

About California Water Service Group California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service regulated utilities, as well as Texas Water Service, a utility holding company. Together, these companies provide regulated and unregulated water services to more than 2 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Texas and Hawaii. Common stock of California Water Service Group trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CWT”. Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.

Media Contact Yvonne Kingman [email protected] 310-257-1434

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