Governance at California Water Service Group

Corporate Governance and Ethics

Strong corporate governance and responsible ethical leadership are foundational to our ability to sustain and grow our business. We seek to maintain a clear framework of accountability to define responsibilities and to properly manage all material risks. Our adherence to our core values and commitment to high ethical standards are underpinned by a well-designed organizational structure and clear bylaws, policies, and practices designed to provide the proper oversight and controls.

ESG Governance

To drive ESG progress, designate responsibility, and guide our progress, we have developed a formal structure for ESG governance. With oversight from the Board, our ESG Executive Oversight Committee oversees and advances progress in our material ESG topics and overall sustainability vision, management, and communications. This committee includes our Vice President, Customer Service and Chief Citizenship Officer, who brings our ESG strategy to life with the help of a dedicated ESG Program Manager, an employee and officer-based ESG Working Group, and passionate employees across the business who work to fulfill our vision of weaving ESG into the fabric of our business every day.

Ethics Codes and Policies

California Water Service Group adheres to the highest ethical standards of corporate leadership and citizenship. Similarly, we expect our employees and directors to act with impeccable personal and professional integrity.

Our Business Code of Conduct and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors outline expectations for honesty and integrity at Group. These Codes are intended to highlight areas of ethical risk, provide guidance in recognizing and dealing with ethical issues, establish mechanisms to report unethical conduct, and help foster a culture of honesty and accountability at every level of our company. Additionally, our Human Rights Policy details our approach to upholding the inalienable rights of our employees, suppliers, customers, and communities.

Public Policy and Political Involvement

We believe that the best way to serve our stakeholders and safeguard our position as the leading provider of water service in our communities is to be a credible, trusted advocate and advisor to policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels. Our Community Affairs and Government Relations team actively tracks legislation and oversees our political involvement and engagement, which is policy driven, non-partisan, and transparent. In addition to following regulations and proactively engaging policymakers, we endeavor to set clear internal expectations for our employees and align our activities with our values and objectives.

View Our Political Engagement Policy

Responsible Sourcing

We expect our suppliers to operate with the same integrity and respect that we do. We manage our supplier program in a way that prioritizes diversity, supports local communities, mitigates environmental impacts, maintains safe practices, upholds human rights, and ensures that the rigorous standards outlined in our Supplier Code of Conduct are upheld. As part of our Supplier Diversity Program, we strive to increase our business and spending with women-, minority-, veteran-, disabled veteran-, and LGBT-owned suppliers and provide progress updates in our Annual Supplier Diversity Reports.