SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 1999--Western Water Co. (Nasdaq:WWTR) announced today that A. Ben Ewell, Jr. has joined the company as a regional vice president.

He is based in Western Water Co.'s office in Fresno, Calif.

Ewell will direct the company's water marketing program in the Central Valley, and his immediate focus will be on developing and consummating water sales in that area. He will report to Zach McReynolds, executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

As President of Water Acquisition, Transfer, and Exchange Resources (W.A.T.E.R) for the past five years, Ewell has been actively involved with Western Water Co., among others, as a consultant. As an attorney, Ewell has specialized for the last 20 years in water marketing, consulting and water-related matters, and has acted as General Counsel to various water districts and organizations located in California's Central Valley, the world's richest agricultural region and the crossroads of the State's water supply infrastructure.

Ewell received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, Ohio, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. He is a member of various professional organizations including the California State Bar, the Association of California Water Agencies and the Water Education Foundation.

"I look forward to combining my knowledge of our region's water industry with Western Water Company's resource base to create attractive and innovative solutions for our local clients. It's also exciting to be part of a well-financed and environmentally responsible company that has established itself as a leader in the developing water market in the western United States," stated Ewell.

"Based on our work with him as a consultant, we are delighted to have Ben join Western Water Company on a full-time basis," said Zach McReynolds, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "As the leading water resource company in the emerging wholesale, non-regulated water market, Western Water Company actively pursues opportunities to purchase or manage historic and reliable water supplies that can be used to augment or supplement existing municipal and agricultural supplies. Ben's broad professional expertise in the water industry will add significantly to our ability to identify, develop, manage and deliver water for the company's growing roster of clients in the Central Valley."

Western Water Co. provides cities and water districts with water that (1) makes up for reductions in historic sources, (2) supports smart growth, (3) increases reliability of supply, (4) avoids large capital investments, (5) reduces pressure on the natural environment and (6) minimizes long-term costs.

Statements contained in this release which are not historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or future events to differ from those contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ include the company’s ability to purchase water rights and obtain financing and other factors and considerations detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.