Exhibit 99.1

    Stephen C. Held Named President, Southwest Water Services Group

    LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2006--Southwest Water
Company (NASDAQ:SWWC) today announced the promotion of Stephen C. Held
to President, Southwest Water Services Group. Held, 55, assumes his
new duties from Peter J. Moerbeek, who remained the operating segment
president when he was promoted to president of Southwest Water Company
in 2004.
    "During his 14 years with Southwest Water Company, Steve has shown
himself to be a strong leader and team builder," said Peter J.
Moerbeek, president and chief operating officer of Southwest Water
Company. "I know that with Steve's leadership, the Services Group will
continue to improve its operational and financial performance."
    Commenting on his new position, Held said, "I am looking forward
to this opportunity to work closely with all of our Service Group
operating companies. I know that we have a great team and together we
can continue to build on our strong reputation as a leader in
providing cost-effective operations while ensuring the highest level
of service and regulatory compliance."
    Held joined Southwest Water in 1991 as General Manager of ECO
Resources, Houston. In 1992, he became General Manager of the Austin
office and was promoted to Regional Vice President in 1997. Prior to
joining Southwest Water he was Administrator for the City of Biloxi,
Mississippi and has over 20 years of experience in management and
business development.
    Southwest Water's Services Group consists of operating companies
that provide water and wastewater systems operations, maintenance and
management for municipalities and governmental agencies from
California to Georgia. The group is headquartered in Sugar Land,
Texas.

    Southwest Water Company provides a broad range of services
including water production, treatment and distribution; wastewater
collection and treatment; utility billing and collection; utility
infrastructure construction management; and public works services. The
company owns regulated public utilities and also serves cities,
utility districts and private companies under contract. More than two
million people from coast to coast depend on Southwest Water for
high-quality, reliable service. Additional information may be found on
the company's Web site: www.swwc.com.



    CONTACT: Southwest Water Company
             DeLise Keim, 213-929-1800
             www.swwc.com
             or
             PondelWilkinson Inc.
             Robert Jaffe, 310-279-5969
             www.pondel.com