UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC
S-3, 1995-08-07
WATER SUPPLY
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<PAGE>
 
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 7, 1995

                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 33-
================================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                ---------------

                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                                ---------------

                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                                        
           NEW JERSEY                                22-2441477
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

                               200 OLD HOOK ROAD
                       HARRINGTON PARK, NEW JERSEY  07640
          (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE, INCLUDING ZIP CODE)
      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:  (201) 784-9434

                                ALLAN D. SHAKLEY
                               200 OLD HOOK ROAD
                       HARRINGTON PARK, NEW JERSEY 07640
                                 (201) 784-9434
           (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                                ---------------

                                   COPIES TO:
                                        
    E. ELLSWORTH MCMEEN, III, ESQ.              RICHARD B. MCGLYNN, ESQ.
LEBOEUF, LAMB, GREENE & MACRAE, L.L.P.     VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
        125 WEST 55TH STREET           UNITED WATER MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES INC.
      NEW YORK, NEW YORK  10019                     200 OLD HOOK ROAD
                                            HARRINGTON PARK, NEW JERSEY 07640

                                ---------------

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC:  As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

          If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [_]

          If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), other than securities offered
only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check
the following box. [x]

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box  and  list  the
Securities  Act  registration  statement  number  of  the  earlier  effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]

          If delivery of the Prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [_]

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================================================= 
                                                                  PROPOSED           PROPOSED MAXIMUM   
   TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES        AMOUNT BEING       MAXIMUM OFFERING     AGGREGATE OFFERING    AMOUNT OF
          BEING REGISTERED                   REGISTERED       PRICE PER SHARE(1)        PRICE(1)       REGISTRATION FEE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                   <C>                <C>
Common Stock (no par value).............  4,000,000 shares           $13.31             $53,240,000       $18,358.62
Series A Participating Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights.........................  4,000,000 rights
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

     (1) The proposed maximum offering price per share is the average of the
high and low prices of the Common Stock reported in the consolidated reporting
system for New York Stock Exchange traded securities as of August 2, 1995, and
is estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in
accordance with Rule 457(c) of the General Rules and Regulations under the
Securities Act of 1933.
                                ---------------

     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
 INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT.  A
 REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.  THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
 OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
 EFFECTIVE.  THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
 SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
 IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
 TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                              DATED AUGUST 7, 1995

 P R O S P E C T U S

                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
                 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

    The Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") of United
 Water Resources Inc. (the "Company") provides holders of record of shares of
 its Common Stock, no par value ("Common Stock"), customers of the Company's
 subsidiaries covered by the Plan and employees of the Company or any of its
 subsidiaries covered by the Plan with a simple and convenient method of
 purchasing shares of Common Stock without payment of any brokerage commission
 or service charge.  Shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan may be
 original issue shares and/or open market shares, in the discretion of the
 Company.  Original issue shares will be purchased at a 3% discount from market
 prices (which discount is subject to change or elimination in the discretion of
 the Company, as discussed in the answer to Question 3) while open market
 purchases of shares will not be made at a discount from market prices.

    Each participant in the Plan who is an existing shareholder of record may
 elect one of the following options:

    FULL DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT -

        Reinvest dividends on all shares of Common Stock registered in the
        shareholder's name.  Optional cash payments may also be made of not less
        than $25 per payment and up to $3,000 per calendar quarter in the
        aggregate; or

    PARTIAL DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT -

        Reinvest dividends on fewer than all shares of Common Stock registered
        in the shareholder's name.  Optional cash payments may also be made of
        not less than $25 per payment and up to $3,000 per calendar quarter in
        the aggregate; or

    OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS -
        Invest in additional shares of Common Stock by making optional cash
        payments of not less than $25 per payment and up to $3,000 per calendar
        quarter in the aggregate.

    Under all of the Plan's investment options, dividends on shares of Common
 Stock credited to a participant's Plan account are automatically reinvested in
 shares of Common Stock.

    Each customer of the Company's subsidiaries covered by the Plan, and each
 employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries covered by the Plan, who is
 not a shareholder of record, may join the Plan by making an initial cash
 investment of at least $25 and up to $3,000, which will be used to purchase
 shares of Common Stock for his or her Plan account.

    The per share purchase price of any original issue shares of Common Stock
 purchased with reinvested cash dividends or optional cash payments will be 97%
 of the average of the daily high and low sale prices of Common Stock on the New
 York Stock Exchange for five randomly selected trading days in the month
 preceding the applicable purchase date.  The per share purchase price of any
 shares of Common Stock purchased on the open market with the proceeds of Common
 Stock dividends or with optional cash payments, as the case may be, will be the
 average price of all such shares of Common Stock purchased by the Designated
 Agent (defined herein), as agent for Participants in the Plan, during the
 respective investment period for reinvested dividends or for optional cash
 payments, as the case may be.  With respect to open market purchases, such
 investment period will be either (a) the period of 30 days after a dividend
 payment date (see Question 18) in the case of reinvested dividends or (b) the
 period of 35 days after the fifth day preceding the first business day of a
 month (see Question 23) in the case of optional cash payments.  (See the answer
 to Question 8 for an explanation of the purchase price, including the Company's
 right to change the purchase price.)

    FOR A SUMMARY DISCUSSION OF THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO
 PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN AND TO THE DISPOSITION OF SHARES PURCHASED PURSUANT
 TO THE PLAN, SEE "FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION" HEREIN.  PARTICIPANTS ARE
 URGED, HOWEVER, TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX
 CONSEQUENCES APPLICABLE TO THEM.

    Although the Plan contemplates the continuation of quarterly dividend
 payments on the Common Stock, the payment and amount of dividends will depend
 upon future earnings, the financial condition of the Company and other factors.

                                ---------------

 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
     EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS
        THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
            COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
                PROSPECTUS.   ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
                             IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                                ---------------

                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ________, 1995
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Information as of particular dates concerning
directors and officers of the Company, their remuneration, the principal holders
of securities of the Company and any material interest of such persons in
transactions with the Company is disclosed in proxy statements distributed to
shareholders of the Company and filed with the Commission.  Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional offices at 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and at 7 World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048.  Copies of this material can
also be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at its principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549.  The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10048, where reports, proxy statements and
other information concerning the Company can also be inspected.


                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

    The following documents, which have heretofore been filed by the Company
with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus:

    (1)  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1994, filed pursuant to the Exchange Act;

    (2)  The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1995, filed pursuant to the Exchange Act;

    (3)  The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-B, filed October 11,
1983, pursuant to the Exchange Act, as updated by pertinent information
furnished in subsequent reports filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange
Act; and

    (4)  The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed July 26, 1989,
pursuant to the Exchange Act, as updated by pertinent information furnished in
subsequent reports filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act.

    All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.  Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
    This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and the exhibits
thereto, which the Company has filed with the Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933, to which reference is hereby made.

    The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered, on the written or oral
request of any such person, a copy of any or all documents which have been or
may be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other than exhibits to such
documents not specifically incorporated by reference therein.  Requests for such
copies should be directed to Allan D. Shakley, Assistant Secretary, United Water
Resources Inc., 200 Old Hook Road, Harrington Park, N.J. 07640 (telephone
number: (201) 784-9434).

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY

    The Company is a New Jersey corporation with its principal executive office
at 200 Old Hook Road, Harrington Park, New Jersey 07640 (telephone number: (201)
784-9434).  The Company was organized in 1983 as the holding company for United
Water New Jersey Inc. ("UWNJ") (formerly named Hackensack Water Company).  UWNJ
was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature in 1869 and a number of
local water companies have been merged into UWNJ since its reorganization in
1880.  The principal and wholly-owned subsidiary of UWNJ is United Water New
York Inc. ("UWNY") (formerly named Spring Valley Water Company Incorporated),
which was incorporated under the laws of New York in 1893.

    In 1994, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of GWC
Corporation.  The largest subsidiary of GWC Corporation, now known as United
Waterworks Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and has
subsidiaries that operate water and wastewater utilities in thirteen states.

    Other wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company include United Properties
Group Inc. (formerly named Rivervale Realty Co., Inc.), which is engaged in real
estate acquisition, rental, development and sales; Laboratory Resources, Inc.,
which owns and operates a network of commercial laboratories performing
environmental and industrial hygiene testing services; Metering Services, Inc.,
which provides a variety of automatic meter reading services to utilities and
also applies its telemetry knowledge toward other applications and markets; and
United Water Mid-Atlantic Utilities Corporation (formerly named Mid-Atlantic
Utilities Corporation), which works with real estate developers to establish,
own and operate water and sewerage utility systems.

                      INDEX TO DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Refer to
                                 Questions
                                 ---------
<S>                               <C>
Administration                    4-5
Advantages                        2-3
Optional Cash Payments            19-23
Other Information                 30-36
Participation                     9-15
Purchases                         6-8
Purpose                           1
Reinvestment of Cash Dividends    16-18
Reports                           29
Sale of Shares                    28
Stock Certificates                24-25
Withdrawal From the Plan          26-27
</TABLE>

----------
*  This index is for convenience of reference only and is not a part of the
   Plan. Since other provisions of the Plan may be important to investors or may
   bear on the matters listed, readers are urged to study the Plan in its
   entirety.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                                 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

          The following is a question-and-answer statement of the provisions of
the Plan.  All references used herein to the Common Stock shall include Series A
Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights of the Company (the "Rights").
For convenience of reference, the definitions of certain terms are included
below.

DEFINITIONS

Beneficial Owner   A person whose shares of Common Stock are registered in other
                   than his or her own name (for example, in the name of a
                   broker or other nominee).

Cash Deadline      The fifth day preceding the first business day of a month.

Cash Payment       Purchases of original issue shares of Common Stock with
Purchase Date      Optional Cash Payments will be made on the "Cash Payment
                   Purchase Date", which shall occur on or about the first
                   business day of each month.

Common Stock       The common stock of the Company.

Customer           A customer of one of the Company's subsidiaries covered at
                   the time by the Plan.

Designated Agent   The agent, which will be a "registered broker or dealer" or
                   "bank", as those terms are defined in Section 3(a) of the
                   Exchange Act, appointed by the Company from time to time,
                   with notice to Participants, to act on behalf of Participants
                   in buying Common Stock on the open market.

Employee           An employee of the Company, or of any of its subsidiaries
                   covered at the time by the Plan.

Enrollment Form    The form completed by an Employee or Customer to enroll in
                   the Plan.

Initial Investment The initial payment delivered with an Enrollment Form for an
                   amount (not less than $25 and not more than $3,000) which is
                   required of a Customer or Employee, who is not a Shareholder,
                   upon enrolling in the Plan.

investment period  The period during which the Designated Agent purchases shares
                   of Common Stock on the open market for the accounts of
                   Participants pursuant to the Plan.

Optional Cash      Cash payments (including the Initial Investment, if any) made
Payments           to the Agent by a Participant, from time to time, of not less
                   than $25 per payment and not more than $3,000 per calendar
                   quarter in the aggregate.

Participants       Customers, Employees or Shareholders who participate in the 
                   Plan.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
Shareholder        A holder of record of shares of Common Stock.

Shareholder        The form completed by a Shareholder to enroll in the Plan.
Authorization Form


PURPOSE

          1.  WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN?

          The purpose of the Plan is to provide Shareholders, Customers and
Employees with a simple and convenient method of acquiring shares of Common
Stock.  The Plan allows a Participant to invest cash dividends on shares of
Common Stock registered in such Participant's name in shares of Common Stock and
provides the opportunity to acquire shares of Common Stock through Optional Cash
Payments, in each case, without payment of any brokerage commission or service
charge.

          The shares of Common Stock purchased may be, in the Company's
discretion, original issue shares of Common Stock purchased directly from the
Company and/or shares of Common Stock purchased on the open market.  Original
issue shares shall include authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock and
shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.  When original issue
shares are purchased directly from the Company, the Company will receive new
equity capital funds.  (See "Use of Proceeds.")

ADVANTAGES

          2.  WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PLAN?

          The Plan offers Participants the opportunity to purchase shares of
Common Stock through dividend reinvestment (a) at a discount of 3%, which
discount is subject to change or elimination in the Company's discretion (see
Questions 3 and 8), from market prices, in the case of purchases of original
issue shares, or (b) at the average price of all open market shares purchased by
the Designated Agent during a given investment period, in the case of purchases
of shares in transactions on the open market.  Participants may have cash
dividends on all or a specified number of their shares of Common Stock
automatically reinvested in shares of Common Stock each quarter.  In addition,
Participants may also purchase Common Stock monthly with Optional Cash Payments
(a) at a discount of 3%, which discount is subject to change or elimination in
the Company's discretion (see Questions 3 and 8), from market prices, in the
case of purchases of original issue shares, or (b) at the average price of all
open market shares purchased by the Designated Agent during a given investment
period, in the case of purchases of shares in transactions on the open market.
No commission or service charge is paid by Participants in connection with
purchases under the Plan.  Full investment of funds is possible because the Plan
permits fractions of shares, as well as full shares, to be credited to
Participants' Plan accounts.  Dividends with respect to such fractions, as well
as with respect to full shares, will be credited to Participants' Plan accounts
and reinvested in shares of Common Stock under the Plan.  Participants who elect
to have dividends on fewer than all of the shares of Common Stock held by them
reinvested through the Plan will continue to receive direct payments of cash
dividends on their remaining shares.  Dividends on shares credited to
Participants' Plan accounts will be automatically reinvested in shares of Common
Stock.  Certain provisions applicable to foreign holders whose dividends are
subject to income tax withholding are described under the caption "Federal
Income Tax Information."

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          3.  HOW DOES THE DISCOUNT WORK WITH RESPECT TO ORIGINAL ISSUE
              SHARES?

          The discount from market prices (the "Discount") applicable to
purchases of original issue shares with the proceeds of Common Stock dividends
or with Optional Cash Payments, as the case may be, will initially be 3%.  The
Company reserves the right, in its discretion, by giving at least 20 days notice
to Participants, to change or eliminate the Discount with respect to original
issue shares purchased for Participants under the Plan, which Discount, if any,
will be between 1% and 10%.

ADMINISTRATION

          4.  WHO ADMINISTERS THE PLAN FOR PARTICIPANTS?

          First Interstate Bank of California, Stock Transfer Administration
(W11-2), 707 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (the "Agent"), acts as
Agent for Participants under an arrangement which may be terminated by the
Company or the Agent at any time.  The Agent keeps a continuing record of all
Participants' Plan accounts, sends statements of account activities to
Participants and performs other duties relating to the Plan.  Common Stock
purchased under the Plan will be registered in the name of the nominee of First
Interstate Bank of California, as Agent for Participants.  Should First
Interstate Bank of California cease to act as Agent under the Plan, another
agent will be designated by the Company.  (For a description of the role played
by the Designated Agent in purchasing open market shares for the accounts of
Participants, see the further provisions of the Plan, including Questions 6 and
8.)

          The Company reserves the right to make such additional or other
arrangements for the administration of the Plan as it deems appropriate.

          Any correspondence concerning the Plan should be sent to:

                  First Interstate Bank of California
                  Shareholders Investment Service
                  P.O. Box 750
                  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230-9625
                  Attention: United Water Resources Dividend Reinvestment
                             and Stock Purchase Plan

          Please contact the Shareholders Investment Service representatives at
1-800-522-6645, or the Company's Investor Relations Department at 201-767-2811,
if you have any inquiries concerning the Plan.

          5. WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS IN CONNECTION WITH PURCHASES
             UNDER THE PLAN?

          Participants are not required to pay a commission or service charge of
any kind in connection with purchases of shares of Common Stock under the Plan.

          If a Participant elects to have shares of Common Stock sold upon
withdrawal from the Plan, the Participant will pay all brokerage fees and
transfer taxes associated with such sale. All fractional shares of Common Stock
credited to a Participant's Plan account will be sold upon withdrawal from the
Plan. Upon the sale of such fractional shares, the Participant will receive a
check for the proceeds, reflecting a deduction for the brokerage commission
incurred and any associated transfer taxes. (See Question 26.)

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     All fees incurred for administration of the Plan will be paid by the
Company.

PURCHASES

     6.  HOW ARE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ACQUIRED UNDER THE PLAN?

     In connection with any reinvestment of dividends and/or purchases made with
Optional Cash Payments, the Company will, in its discretion, (1) utilize such
funds as consideration for original issue shares; or (2) direct the Designated
Agent to purchase shares in transactions on the open market; or (3) use a
combination of both.

     If the Company elects to utilize outstanding shares of Common Stock for the
purposes of the Plan, the Designated Agent will, pursuant to the Plan, make all
such open market purchases as are necessary to meet the requirements of the
Plan.  Neither the Company nor any affiliate thereof will exercise any direct or
indirect control or influence over the prices, amounts, timing or manner of
purchases made by the Designated Agent on the open market.

     The Company has initially elected to utilize only original issue shares in
connection with all acquisitions under the Plan and will notify Participants at
least 20 days prior to changing an existing election.

     7.  HOW MANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK WILL BE PURCHASED FOR PARTICIPANTS?

     Each Participant's Plan account will be credited with the number of shares,
including fractions thereof computed to three decimal places, equal to the sum
of (1) any dividends to be invested on the Participant's behalf divided by the
purchase price of a share of Common Stock purchased with dividends plus (2) any
Optional Cash Payments divided by the purchase price of a share of Common Stock
purchased with Optional Cash Payments.

     8.  WHAT WILL BE THE PRICE OF COMMON STOCK PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

     The price of any original issue shares of Common Stock purchased from the
Company (computed to four decimal places) with Common Stock dividends will be,
in the Company's discretion (as described in the answer to Question 3), 90% to
100% of the average of the daily high and low sale prices of a share of Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each of five days chosen at random by
the Agent on which Common Stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the
month immediately preceding the dividend payment date.  Such price will
initially be 97% of the average price described in the foregoing sentence.
Dividend payment dates are ordinarily the first business day of March, June,
September and December.

     The price of any original issue shares of Common Stock purchased from the
Company (computed to four decimal places) with Optional Cash Payments will be,
in the Company's discretion (as described in the answer to Question 3), 90% to
100% of the average of the daily high and low sale prices of a share of Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each of five days chosen at random by
the Agent on which Common Stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the
month immediately preceding the Cash Payment Purchase Date.  Such price will
initially be 97% of the average price described in the foregoing sentence.

     The price of shares of Common Stock purchased on the open market (computed
to four decimal places) by the Designated Agent, as agent for Participants in
the Plan, during any investment period for reinvested dividends and/or Optional
Cash Payments will be the average price of all such shares of Common Stock so
purchased by the Designated Agent during such investment period with the
proceeds of such dividends and/or Optional Cash Payments.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     With respect to original issue shares, the Company reserves the right, in
its discretion, by giving at least 20 days notice to Participants, to change or
eliminate the then prevailing Discount, or establish an alternative pricing
methodology for such purchases.

     In the event that both open market purchases and original issue purchases
from the Company are made from dividends and/or Optional Cash Payments, such
combination of shares will be allocated to each individual Participant's account
on a pro rata basis or otherwise in the discretion of the Company.

PARTICIPATION

     9.  WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

     (1)  Shareholder.  Subject to the following, the Plan is open to
participation by a registered owner of shares of Common Stock.  Shares of Common
Stock are registered in the name of a Participant if such shares are represented
by a stock certificate issued in the name of the Participant.  Beneficial Owners
either must cause their shares to be registered in their names or must make
appropriate arrangements with their broker or other nominee to participate in
the Plan on their behalf in order to be eligible to participate in the Plan.

     Indirect participation in the Plan by Beneficial Owners through brokers or
other nominees may be on terms and conditions which differ from those set forth
in this Prospectus, in which case the terms and conditions established by each
broker or other nominee will govern such indirect participation.  Such terms and
conditions may include limitations on participation in the Plan and the
requirement that the Beneficial Owner pay a commission or service charge to the
broker or other nominee.  Certain features of the Plan, including, for example,
investment of Optional Cash Payments, may not be available to Beneficial Owners
participating indirectly in the Plan through brokers or other nominees.

     (2)  Employee.  The Plan is open to enrollment by any Employee.  After
enrolling in the Plan and becoming a Shareholder an Employee can elect to
participate in the Plan as a Shareholder.

     (3)  Customer.  The Plan is open to participation by any Customer (as
defined above).  After enrolling in the Plan and becoming a Shareholder a
Customer can elect to participate in the Plan as a Shareholder.

     10.  WHEN MAY ELIGIBLE SHAREHOLDERS, CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES ENROLL IN THE
PLAN?

     Participation in the Plan is voluntary.  Eligible Shareholders, Customers
and Employees may enroll in the Plan at any time.

     Shareholder participation with respect to the reinvestment of dividends on
shares of Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name will commence with
the first dividend payable following receipt by the Agent of a completed and
signed Shareholder Authorization Form if such form is received by the Agent at
least one business day prior to the particular dividend record date on which the
Shareholder wishes to begin purchases with reinvested dividends.  If a
Shareholder Authorization Form is not received by that time, the dividend will
be paid in cash and participation will commence on the next dividend payment
date.

     Participation with respect to purchases of Common Stock with Optional Cash
Payments will commence following receipt by the Agent on or prior to the Cash
Deadline (as defined above) in a given

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
month of a completed and signed Shareholder Authorization Form or Enrollment
Form, as the case may be, with a check or money order for the Optional Cash
Payment.  (See Question 19.)

     Participants are not required to remain enrolled in the Plan and may
discontinue participation at any time (See Questions 26 and 27.)

     11.  HOW DO ELIGIBLE SHAREHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS PARTICIPATE?

     Shareholders may become Participants in the Plan by completing, signing and
returning a Shareholder Authorization Form to the Agent.  Shareholder
Authorization Forms may be obtained at any time upon written request or by
calling the Agent or the Company's Investor Relations Department.  Customers and
Employees who are not Shareholders may become Participants in the Plan by
completing, signing and returning an Enrollment Form with an Initial Investment
to the Agent.  Enrollment Forms may be obtained at any time upon written request
or by calling the Company's Investor Relations Department.

     Beneficial Owners who wish to participate indirectly in the Plan must
arrange such participation with their broker or other nominee.

     Participants currently enrolled in the Plan will continue to participate in
the same manner which they have previously authorized.  Participants may change
investment options by completing and signing a Shareholder Authorization Form
and returning it to the Agent.  (See Question 13.)  Participants may elect to
discontinue participation by giving written notice to the Agent.  (See Questions
26 and 27.)

     12.  WHAT INVESTMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS?

     (1)  Each Shareholder of record may elect one of the following options:

          (i)  Full Dividend Reinvestment.  Reinvest dividends on all shares of
     Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name.  Optional Cash Payments
     may also be made; or

          (ii)  Partial Dividend Reinvestment.  Reinvest dividends on fewer than
     all shares of Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name.  Optional
     Cash Payments may also be made; or

          (iii)  Optional Cash Payments.  Invest in shares of Common Stock by
     making Optional Cash Payments.

     (2)  Employees and Customers who are not Shareholders may enroll in the
Plan by making an Initial Investment.  They will be enrolled in the Optional
Cash Payment option and may make Optional Cash Payments.  Customers and
Employees, after becoming Shareholders, can elect to participate in the other
Plan investment options available to Shareholder Participants.

     Under all of the Plan's investment options, cash dividends on shares
credited to a Participant's Plan account are automatically reinvested in shares
of Common Stock.

     13.  HOW MAY A SHAREHOLDER PARTICIPANT CHANGE OPTIONS UNDER THE PLAN?

     A Participant may change investment options by completing, signing and
returning a new Shareholder Authorization Form to the Agent.  A Shareholder
Authorization Form may be obtained from

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
the Agent upon written request or by calling the Agent or the Company's Investor
Relations Department.  Any change in investment options with respect to
reinvestment of dividends will become effective in the same manner as an initial
enrollment in the Plan.  (See Question 10.)

     14.  WHAT DO THE FORMS FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE PLAN PROVIDE?

     The Shareholder Authorization Form and Enrollment Form serve to initiate
participation in the Plan and appoint the Agent and the Designated Agent as the
Participant's agents under the Plan.

     The Shareholder Authorization Form allows a Shareholder to elect to
participate in the Plan's full dividend reinvestment, partial dividend
reinvestment or Optional Cash Payment options.

     The Enrollment Form allows Customers and Employees who are not Shareholders
to enroll in the Plan by making an Initial Investment and participating in the
Optional Cash Payment option.  Customers and Employees, after becoming
Shareholders, can elect to participate in the other investment options available
to Shareholder Participants by completing a Shareholder Authorization Form.

     15.  IF A CUSTOMER PARTICIPANT CEASES TO BE A CUSTOMER OR IF AN EMPLOYEE
PARTICIPANT CEASES TO BE AN EMPLOYEE, MAY THE CUSTOMER OR EMPLOYEE CONTINUE TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE PLAN?

     As long as any fraction of a share has been credited to the Participant's
Plan account, the Participant may continue to participate in the Plan as a
Shareholder even if the Participant is no longer a Customer or an Employee.

REINVESTMENT OF CASH DIVIDENDS

     16.  HOW WILL CASH DIVIDENDS PAYABLE ON SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BE
REINVESTED?

     If a Participant elects to reinvest his or her dividends through the full
dividend reinvestment option, cash dividends with respect to all shares of
Common Stock registered in such Participant's name as well as all fractional and
whole shares credited to a Participant's Plan account on the record date are
automatically reinvested in shares of Common Stock and credited to the
Participant's Plan account on the dividend payment date.

     17.  MAY A SHAREHOLDER REINVEST DIVIDENDS ON ONLY A PORTION OF ALL SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK OWNED?

     A Shareholder may participate in the Plan with respect to fewer than all of
the shares of Common Stock registered in the Shareholder's name by indicating on
a Shareholder Authorization Form the number of shares with respect to which the
Shareholder has elected to reinvest dividends.  If a Participant who is
reinvesting the cash dividends on fewer than all of the shares of Common Stock
registered in the Participant's name disposes of a portion of such shares, the
Agent will continue to reinvest the dividends on the Participant's remaining
shares up to the number of shares originally authorized.  Cash dividends payable
to a Shareholder Participant with respect to shares of Common Stock that have
not been designated for reinvestment, if any, will be forwarded to the
Shareholder in accordance with the Company's customary procedure as in effect at
such time.  No matter how many shares a Shareholder designates on the
Shareholder Authorization Form, dividends on all shares credited to a
Shareholder Participant's Plan account will automatically be reinvested.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
     18.  WHEN WILL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BE ACQUIRED WITH REINVESTED
DIVIDENDS?

     The date for the purchase of original issue shares of Common Stock with
reinvested Common Stock dividends corresponds to the dividend payment date for
shares of Common Stock.  Cash dividends on Common Stock are generally payable on
the first business day of March, June, September and December of each year.
With respect to open market purchases, the Designated Agent, at its sole
discretion, will determine the exact timing of purchases made on the open
market, and will purchase Common Stock with reinvested dividends as promptly as
practicable, consistent with the Designated Agent's obligations as agent for
Participants.  In any event, such purchases will be made by the Designated Agent
within 30 days after the dividend payment date.  If for any reason any such
purchase is not made during such period, the funds therefor will be returned to
the relevant Participants.  (See Question 23 for information regarding dates for
acquisition of Common Stock with the use of Optional Cash Payments.)

     No interest will be paid by the Company, the Agent or the Designated Agent
on reinvested dividends pending their investment in Common Stock.

OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS

     19.  HOW DOES THE OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENT PLAN WORK?

     Shareholders who elect to participate by making Optional Cash Payments in
addition to reinvesting cash dividends on shares of Common Stock registered in
their names may make their Optional Cash Payment by sending a check or money
order to the Agent either with a completed and signed Shareholder Authorization
Form or at any subsequent time with a completed optional cash investment stub,
which is attached to the account statement sent to Participants after each
purchase for the Participant's Plan account.

     Shareholders who elect to make only Optional Cash Payments (and not to
reinvest dividends on shares registered in their name), and Customers and
Employees enrolling in the Plan, must make their Optional Cash Payment at the
time a completed and signed Shareholder Authorization Form or Enrollment Form,
as the case may be, is sent to the Agent by enclosing a check or money order
payable to the Agent with such form.  Participants may make any number of
Optional Cash Payments in each calendar year, but such Optional Cash Payments,
which include the Initial Investment, must be at least $25 per payment and not
more than $3,000 per calendar quarter in the aggregate for each Participant's
Plan account.  Subsequent to the Initial Investment, Participants may make
Optional Cash Payments at any time by sending a check or money order to the
Agent with a completed optional cash investment stub, which is attached to the
account statement.

     There is no obligation to make any Optional Cash Payment.  The amount of
each optional cash payment may vary, but each payment must be at least $25 and
may not exceed $3,000 per calendar quarter in the aggregate.  Optional cash
payments of less than $25 per payment or more than $3,000 per calendar quarter
in the aggregate will be returned to the Participant.  Dividends on shares
purchased under this option and held in a Participant's Plan account will
automatically be reinvested in shares of Common Stock.  ALL OPTIONAL CASH
PAYMENTS MUST BE SENT TO THE AGENT AND MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO FIRST INTERSTATE
BANK OF CALIFORNIA.

     Optional Cash Payments must be received on or before the Cash Deadline in
order to be invested in the next investment period or on the next Cash Payment
Purchase Date, as the case may be.  (See

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
Question 23 for information regarding dates for acquisition of Common Stock with
the use of Optional Cash Payments.)

     In the context of original issue shares, if it appears to the Company that
any Participant is using or contemplating the use of the Optional Cash Payment
investment option in a manner or with an effect that, in the sole judgment and
discretion of the Company, is not in the best interests of the Company or its
other shareholders, then the Company may decline to issue all or any portion of
the shares of Common Stock for which any payment by or on behalf of such
Participant is tendered.  Such payment (or the portion thereof not to be
invested in shares of Common Stock) will be returned by the Company as promptly
as practicable, without interest.

     20.  HOW WILL OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS BE INVESTED?

     Optional Cash Payments will as a general matter be invested on a monthly
basis.  At the option of the Company, the Designated Agent will apply Optional
Cash Payments to the open market purchases of shares of Common Stock for the
account of such Participants and/or the Optional Cash Payments will be used as
consideration for original issue shares.

     21.  CAN A CUSTOMER'S OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS BE SUBMITTED WITH PAYMENTS FOR
HIS OR HER BILLS?

     No.  Customer Optional Cash Payments must be sent to the Agent and not with
the payment of the customer's bill.

     22.  MAY AN EMPLOYEE MAKE OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS THROUGH PAYROLL
DEDUCTIONS?

     Yes.  If an Employee elects payroll deductions on the Payroll Deduction
Form, which may be obtained from the Human Resources Department or Investor
Relations Department of the Company, the Company will deduct the whole dollar
amount specified by the Employee.  The minimum weekly deduction is $5.00; the
minimum semi-monthly and bi-weekly deduction is $10.00; the maximum weekly
deduction is $200 and the maximum semi-monthly and bi-weekly deduction is $400
per pay period.  The Payroll Deduction Form must be received by the Company at
least two weeks before the pay period on which the Employee wishes to begin
deductions.  Once authorized, payroll deductions will continue until changed or
terminated by the Employee.

     23.  WHEN WILL OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS BE INVESTED UNDER THE PLAN?

     Purchases of Common Stock with Optional Cash Payments will as a general
matter be made on a monthly basis.  If the Common Stock is to be purchased on
the open market, the date or dates for purchase will occur as soon as
practicable, consistent with the Designated Agent's obligations as agent for
Participants, after the Company notifies the Designated Agent of the amount of
Optional Cash Payments for that month but, in any event, within 35 days after
the Cash Deadline.  If for any reason any such purchase is not made during such
period, the funds therefor will be returned to the relevant Participants.  If
the Common Stock to be purchased consists of original issue shares to be
purchased directly from the Company, the date for such purchase will be the Cash
Payment Purchase Date.

     No interest will be paid by the Company, the Agent or the Designated Agent
on Optional Cash Payments pending their investment in Common Stock.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
STOCK CERTIFICATES

     24.  WILL CERTIFICATES BE ISSUED FOR COMMON STOCK PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

     Certificates for shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan will not
be automatically issued to Participants.  The number of shares of Common Stock
credited to the Participant's Plan account will be shown on the Participant's
statement of account.

     A Participant may, at any time, upon his or her written request to the
Agent withdraw any or all of the whole shares of Common Stock credited to the
Participant's Plan account from the Plan (see Questions 26 and 27), and
certificates for such shares of Common Stock will be issued to such Participant.
Certificates will be issued in the name in which the Participant is registered
in the Plan.  If fewer than all Plan shares are withdrawn, any remaining full
shares of Common Stock for which certificates are not requested and any
fractional shares of Common Stock will continue to be credited to the
Participant's Plan account.  Certificates for fractional shares of Common Stock
cannot be issued under any circumstances.

     25.  MAY COMMON STOCK HELD PURSUANT TO THE PLAN BE PLEDGED?

     Shares credited to a Participant's Plan account may not be pledged.  A
Participant who wishes to pledge such shares must request that the certificates
be issued in his or her name.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PLAN

     26.  HOW MAY A PARTICIPANT WITHDRAW FROM THE PLAN?

     A person participating directly in the Plan may discontinue participation
in the Plan and terminate his or her account at any time by providing written
notification to the Agent that he or she wishes to withdraw from the Plan.  As
soon as practicable following receipt from the Participant of notice of
withdrawal, the Agent will send the Participant certificates for the full shares
of Common Stock credited to the Participant's Plan account.  If the Participant
so requests in writing, the Agent will arrange to sell such shares through a
registered broker and send such Participant a check for the proceeds as soon as
practicable after the broker has sold the shares.  The Company, however, does
not exercise any direct or indirect control over the price or timing of any such
sales of shares of Common Stock by the registered broker.  The Participant must
pay the brokerage commission and any transfer tax associated with such sale,
which amounts will be deducted from the check for the proceeds of the sale.  The
Agent will only arrange for the sale of all shares of Common Stock credited to
the Plan account of a Participant who discontinues participation in the Plan.

     Whether the Participant requests the Agent to sell the shares of Common
Stock credited to the Participant's Plan account or requests certificates for
such shares, the Participant's interest in fractional shares will be paid in
cash less applicable brokerage fees and transfer taxes.

     An Employee withdrawing from the Plan who has elected payroll deductions
first must send to the Company's Human Resources Department or the Employee's
Payroll Department a written request for discontinuance of payroll deductions
and then must provide written notification of withdrawal to the Agent.

     Beneficial Owners participating indirectly in the Plan through brokers or
other nominees must contact their broker or nominee regarding withdrawal from
the Plan.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
     27.  WHEN MAY A PARTICIPANT WITHDRAW FROM THE PLAN?

     Persons participating directly in the Plan may withdraw any or all shares
of Common Stock credited to their Plan accounts from the Plan at any time by
notifying the Agent in writing.  If the request to withdraw is received five
days prior to the dividend record date for any dividend payment on which the
dividends would otherwise be reinvested for a Participant, the dividend
reinvestment feature will be terminated on the day of receipt of the request by
the Agent.  If the request to withdraw is received by the Agent after the date
which is five days prior to the dividend record date for any dividend payment,
such dividend declared will, when paid, be reinvested for the Participant's Plan
account.  After the shares are credited to the Participant's Plan account, the
request for withdrawal will then be processed as promptly as possible.

     Any Optional Cash Payment which had been sent to the Agent prior to the
request for withdrawal will be invested in the next investment period or on the
next Cash Payment Purchase Date, as the case may be, unless a request for the
return of the amount is received by the Agent at least one business day prior to
the Cash Deadline for the month.  The Company will not pay interest on any
terminated investments.

     Beneficial Owners participating indirectly in the Plan through brokers or
other nominees must contact their broker or nominee regarding withdrawal from
the Plan.

     The written request for the discontinuance of payroll deductions sent by an
Employee to the Company's Human Resources Department or the Employee's Payroll
Department will normally take effect with the next pay period.

SALE OF SHARES

     28.  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PARTICIPANT SELLS OR TRANSFERS ALL SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK REGISTERED IN HIS OR HER NAME?

     If a Participant sells or transfers all of the shares of Common Stock
registered in his or her name but maintains shares in such Participant's Plan
account, dividends will continue to be reinvested on the balance in the
Participant's Plan account and the Participant may continue to make Optional
Cash Payments.

REPORTS

     29.  WHAT REPORTS WILL BE SENT TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN?

     On a regular basis, the Agent will send a detailed statement to each
Participant for whose account dividends have been reinvested and/or purchases of
shares of Common Stock with Optional Cash Payments have been made.  The
statement will provide pertinent information with respect to such Participant's
Plan account, including, to the extent available, information as to the total
shares of Common Stock credited to the Participant's Plan Account, dividends
received, dividends reinvested, Optional Cash Payments invested in Common Stock
and purchase price per share of the Common Stock.  Cumulative transaction
information on a calendar year basis will be included in each statement.  THESE
STATEMENTS ARE THE ONLY RECORDS OF PLAN ACTIVITY SENT TO PARTICIPANTS AND SHOULD
BE RETAINED FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
     In addition, each Participant will receive copies of the same
communications sent to record holders of shares of Common Stock and Beneficial
Owners each year, including the Company's interim reports, annual reports,
notice of annual meeting and proxy statement, as well as any income tax
information for reporting dividends paid or reinvested.

OTHER INFORMATION

     30.  WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COMPANY HAS A RIGHTS OFFERING?

     A Participant's entitlement in a rights offering will be based upon the
number of shares of Common Stock credited to the Participant's Plan account.
Such rights will be mailed directly to the Participant in the same manner as to
shareholders of record who are not participating in the Plan.  Rights
certificates will be issued for the nearest number of whole shares only.

     31.  WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COMPANY DECLARES A STOCK DIVIDEND OR SPLITS ITS
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK?

     Stock dividends distributed on shares of Common Stock held and registered
in the name of a Participant on the books of the Agent, as well as shares of
Common Stock distributed as a result of any split of such shares, will be mailed
directly to the Participant.  Stock dividends distributed on shares of Common
Stock credited to a Participant's Plan account, as well as shares of Common
Stock distributed as a result of any split of such shares, will be credited to
the Participant's Plan account.

     32.  HOW WILL A PARTICIPANT'S SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK BE VOTED AT
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS?

     Each Participant will receive a proxy for the total number of shares of
Common Stock held--both the shares registered in the Participant's name and
those credited to the Participant's Plan account including fractional shares
under the Plan.  If the proxy is returned properly signed and marked for voting,
all of the Participant's shares of Common Stock--those registered in the
Participant's name and those credited to the Participant's Plan account--will be
voted as marked.  The total number of shares may also be voted in person at a
meeting.

     If no instructions are received on a properly signed proxy with respect to
any item thereon, all of a Participant's shares of Common Stock will be voted in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors of the Company,
just as for non-participating shareholders who return proxies and do not provide
instructions.  If the proxy is not returned or if it is returned unsigned, none
of the Participant's shares of Common Stock will be voted unless the Participant
votes in person.

     33.  WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPANY, THE AGENT AND THE
DESIGNATED AGENT UNDER THE PLAN?

     In connection with the Plan, the Company and its officers, employees and
agents, the Agent and the Designated Agent will not be liable for any act done
in good faith or for any good faith omission to act including, without
limitation, any claim of liability arising out of failure to terminate a
Participant's Plan account upon such Participant's death prior to receipt of
notice in writing of such death or with respect to any fluctuation in market
value before or after purchase or sale of Common Stock.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
     PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT NEITHER THE COMPANY, THE AGENT NOR THE
DESIGNATED AGENT CAN ASSURE A PROFIT OR PROTECT AGAINST A LOSS ON THE COMMON
STOCK PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN.

     34.  HOW MANY SHARES WILL BE SOLD BY THE COMPANY UNDER THE PLAN?

     This registration relates to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock.  The Company
anticipates that it will from time to time, as required, register additional
shares of Common Stock.  The outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and
original issue shares offered hereby, upon notice of issuance, will be, listed
on the New York Stock Exchange.

     35.  MAY THE PLAN BE CHANGED OR DISCONTINUED?

     The Company reserves the right to suspend, modify or terminate the Plan at
any time.  All Participants will receive notice of any such suspension,
modification or termination.

     36.  WHO INTERPRETS AND REGULATES THE PLAN?

     The officers of the Company may take such actions to carry out the Plan as
are not contrary to the terms and conditions of the Plan.  In addition, the
Company reserves the right to interpret and regulate the Plan in good faith as
it deems desirable or necessary in connection with the operation of the Plan.
 
     Furthermore, in the context of original issue shares, if it appears to the
Company that any Participant is using or contemplating the use of the Plan in a
manner or with an effect that, in the sole judgment and discretion of the
Company, is not in the best interests of the Company or its other shareholders,
then the Company may decline to issue all or any portion of the shares of Common
Stock for which any payment by or on behalf of such Participant is tendered.
Such payment (or the portion thereof not to be invested in shares of Common
Stock)  will be returned by the Company as promptly as practicable, without
interest.


                         FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

     THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN
THE PLAN.  SINCE THIS IS ONLY A SUMMARY AND SINCE STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS MAY
VARY, A PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT HIS TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE PLAN.

     Under Internal Revenue Service rulings, dividends which are reinvested by a
Participant under the Plan will be treated, for federal income tax purposes, as
having been received by the Participant in the form of a taxable stock
distribution rather than cash dividend.  A Participant whose dividends on Common
Stock are reinvested under the Plan in shares of Common Stock purchased from the
Company therefore will be treated as having received a distribution equal to the
fair market value, on the date such purchases are made, of the shares of Common
Stock acquired through such reinvestment.

     A Participant for whom shares of Common Stock are purchased with Optional
Cash Payments and who receives a discount on these shares will be treated, for
federal income tax purposes, as having received as a distribution an amount
equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares of Common
Stock on the Cash Payment Purchase Date and the Optional Cash Payment.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
     Generally, all distributions will be treated as dividends and will be
taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Company's earnings and profits.
To the extent that a distribution exceeds the Company's earnings and profits, it
is deemed to be a return of capital.  A return of capital reduces a
shareholder's basis in his shares, but not below zero.  To the extent a return
of capital reduces a shareholder's basis, no gain is recognized and to the
extent a return of capital exceeds a shareholder's basis, it is treated as a
capital gain if such shares are held as a capital asset.  Form 1099 which is
sent to each Participant annually will indicate the total amount of dividends
paid to the Participant.

     A corporate recipient of dividends reinvested under the Plan generally will
be entitled to a dividends-received deduction allowed by Section 243 of the
Internal Revenue Code.  However, if such corporate recipient is subject to the
alternative minimum tax, a portion of the dividends-received deduction will be
treated as an adjustment that increases alternative minimum taxable income.

     A Participant's basis in shares purchased from the Company with reinvested
dividends on Common Stock will be equal to the fair market value of such shares
on the date such purchases are made.  A Participant's basis in shares of Common
Stock purchased from the Company with Optional Cash Payments will be equal to
the amount paid by the Participant in acquiring the shares, plus the excess of
the fair market value of the shares on the date the Common Stock was purchased
with the Optional Cash Payment over the Optional Cash Payment.

     Because the price at which Common Stock will be purchased under the Plan
will be between 90% and 100% of the average of the daily high and low sales
prices on five randomly chosen days (see Question 8 above), the fair market
value of the shares on the date they were acquired either through the
reinvestment of dividends or through Optional Cash Payments may differ from the
price at which such shares are purchased.

     The following examples, which are for illustrative purposes only, may be
helpful to illustrate the federal income tax consequences of the reinvestment of
dividends or the purchase of stock with Optional Cash Payments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Example 1
<S>                                           <C>
Cash Dividends Reinvested                     $100.00
Assumed Fair Market Value per share           $ 14.00
Market Price based on random 5 day average    $ 13.50
Less 3% discount per share                    $ (0.41)
Net purchase price per share                  $ 13.09
Number of shares purchased (100/13.09)          7.639
Total taxable dividend (14 x 7.639)           $106.95
Tax Basis per share                           $ 14.00
</TABLE>

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
Example 2
<S>                                           <C>
Optional Cash Payment                         $100.00
Assumed Fair Market Value per share           $ 14.00
Market Price based on 5 day average           $ 13.50
Less 3% discount per share                    $ (0.41)
Net purchase price per share                  $ 13.09
Number of shares purchased (100/13.09)          7.639
Total taxable dividend resulting
  from transaction ($14 x 7.639 - 100)        $  6.95
Tax Basis per share                           $ 14.00
</TABLE>

     A Participant who receives, upon withdrawal from or termination of the
Plan, a cash adjustment for a fraction of a share credited to his account will
realize a gain or loss with respect to such fraction.  Gain or loss will also be
realized by the Participant when whole shares of Common Stock are sold pursuant
to the Participant's request when he withdraws from the Plan or when whole
shares of Common Stock are sold or exchanged by the Participant himself after
the shares of Common Stock have been withdrawn from the Plan.  The amount of
such gain or loss will be the difference between the amount which the
Participant receives for his shares of Common Stock or fraction of a share and
his tax basis therefor less the portion, if any, of dividends received thereon
constituting a return of capital (nontaxable distributions) for federal income
tax purposes.

     A Participant's holding period for shares of Common Stock acquired through
the Plan will begin on the day following the purchase of such shares.

     Under backup withholding rules, dividends which are reinvested pursuant to
the Plan may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% unless the
Participant (a) is a corporation or other form of exempt entity and, when
required, demonstrates this fact, or (b) provides the Agent with the
Participant's taxpayer identification number and certifies to no loss of
exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules.

     In the case of foreign Participants receiving dividends that are subject to
United States income tax withholding, the Company, to the extent permitted by
law, will apply the net amount of any dividend which is being reinvested by such
Participant, after the deduction of taxes, to the purchase of shares of Common
Stock.

     Foreign Participants who indicate Optional Cash Payments Only on the
Shareholder Authorization Form will continue to receive cash dividends on shares
of Common Stock not included in the Plan in the usual manner.  Optional Cash
Payments received from them must be by check or money order payable in United
States dollars and will be invested in the same manner as Optional Cash Payments
from other Participants.


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     No proceeds will be realized by the Company when Plan shares are purchased
on the open market.  The Company has no basis for determining the number of
original issue shares that will be purchased directly from the Company under the
Plan, and the amount of proceeds of any such shares.  The proceeds to the 
Company from the issuance and sale of any original issue shares are expected to
be added to the general funds of the Company and used for general corporate
purposes.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
                                LEGAL OPINIONS

     The legality of shares of Common Stock offered hereby has been passed on
for the Company by LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., a limited liability
partnership including professional corporations, New York, New York and Newark,
New Jersey.  Douglas W. Hawes, Esq., a member of that firm, is a director and
Secretary of the Company, and Alan M. Berman, Esq., a member of that firm, is a
director of United Properties Group Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company.


                                    EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

No dealer, salesman or other person is authorized to give any information or to
make any representation other than those contained in this Prospectus and, if
given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Company.  This Prospectus does not constitute an
offer by the Company to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security
offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make
such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.  Neither the delivery of this
Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create any
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company since
the date hereof or that the information contained herein is correct or complete
as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.


                          ----------------------------


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Page
                                  ----
<S>                               <C>
Available Information...........   2
Incorporation of Certain
  Documents by Reference........   2
The Company.....................   4
Index to Description of
  the Plan......................   4
Description of the Plan.........   5
Federal Income Tax Information..  17
Use of Proceeds.................  19
Legal Opinions..................  20
Experts.........................  20
</TABLE>

================================================================================

================================================================================

                             DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
                            AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN



                                  UNITED WATER
                                 RESOURCES INC.



                                  COMMON STOCK
                                 (NO PAR VALUE)



                           -------------------------

                                   PROSPECTUS

                           -------------------------



                                ______ __, 1995

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
     Registration Fee -- Securities and Exchange
      Commission...............                                   $18,359.00
     Auditors' Fee*............                                   $ 5,000.00
     Legal Fees and Expenses*..                                   $28,000.00
     Printing and Mailing*.....                                   $35,000.00
     Administration Fees*......                                   $ 3,000.00
     Miscellaneous*............                                   $ 5,000.00
 
      Total....................                                   $94,359.00

* Estimated

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     The Company is incorporated in New Jersey and is subject to New Jersey law
covering indemnification of any officer or director who has been or is
threatened to be made a party to any legal proceeding by reason of service to
the Company.  New Jersey law provides that indemnification will be made to any
officer or director who has been successful "on the merits" or "otherwise" with
respect to the defense of any such proceeding, but does not require
indemnification in any other circumstance.  New Jersey law permits the advancing
of expenses incurred in defending such a proceeding upon the giving of an
undertaking to repay such sums by the indemnified officer or director in the
event it is later determined that such officer or director should not have been
indemnified.  New Jersey law also permits the Company to procure insurance on
behalf of its officers and directors against any liability asserted against or
incurred by the officer or director, even if the Company would not otherwise
have the power under applicable law to indemnify the officer or the director for
such expenses.

     In accordance with the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, a provision of
the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates personal
liability of directors and officers to the Company or its shareholders for
damages for breach of any duty owed to the Company or its shareholders to the
fullest extent permissible by law.  However, this provision does not relieve a
director or officer from liability for any breach of duty based upon an act or
omission (1) in breach of such person's duty of loyalty to the Company or its
shareholders, (2) not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of law, or
(3) resulting in receipt by such person of an improper personal benefit.

     The By-laws of the Company and indemnification agreements between the
Company and each of its directors and officers provide for indemnification of
directors and officers against certain liabilities arising out of their service
in such capacities to the fullest extent permissible by law.  The
indemnification agreements between the Company and each of its directors and
officers are intended to provide a contractual right to indemnification
notwithstanding any future amendment of the By-laws of the Company and provide
for the indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities that may
relate to acts or omissions that occurred prior to the date of such
indemnification agreements.  The By-laws of the Company presently authorize the
Company to enter into indemnification agreements providing similar

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
rights to any future director or officer of the Company or to any person who
serves as an officer, director or key employee of other corporations or entities
at the request of the Company.

     The Company also has policies of insurance which, among other things,
provide officers' and directors' liability coverage, individually or
collectively, up to an annual aggregate limit of $50,000,000.

ITEM 16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS.
 
         3(a)  - Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Water
                 Resources Inc., dated July 14, 1987. (Filed as Exhibit 4(b)
                 to Registration Statement No. 33-20067).                       
 
         3(b)  - Certificate of Correction to Restated Certificate of
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated August 13,
                 1987. (Filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Registration Statement No. 
                 33-20067).
 
         3(c)  - Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of 
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22,
                 1994, amending Articles 5, 6, 7 and 9.                         
 
         3(d)  - Amended By-laws of United Water Resources Inc. dated as of 
                 March 10, 1994. (Filed as Exhibit 4(1) to Form 10-K for the 
                 year ended December 31, 1993).              
 
         4(a)  - Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of 
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22,
                 1994, for Series A Cumulative Convertible Preference Stock 
                 of United Water Resources Inc.                             
 
         4(b)  - Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
                 Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22,
                 1994, for Series B 7 5/8% Cumulative Preferred Stock of United
                 Water Resources Inc. 
 
         4(c)  - Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (See Prospectus).

         4(d)  - Specimen of United Water Resources Inc. Common Stock.  
                 (Filed as Exhibit 4(d) to Registration Statement No. 2-90540).
 
         4(e)  - Rights Agreement, dated as of July 12, 1989, between United
                 Water Resources Inc. and First Interstate Bank, Ltd. (Filed as
                 Exhibit 4(c) to Registration Statement No. 33-32672).
 
         4(f)  - Governance Agreement between United Water Resources Inc. and
                 Lyonnaise American Holding, Inc., dated April 22, 1994. (Filed
                 in Appendix A to Registration Statement No. 33-51703).
 
         5(a)  - Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.

         23(a) - Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.

         23(b) - Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.  
                 (Contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5(a)).

         24(a) - Powers of Attorney (included in signature page).

         24(b) - Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors.

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

     (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

      (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
       (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
     effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
     effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
     represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
     registration statement;

     (iii)  To include any material information with respect to the plan of
     distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
     material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (l)(i) and (l)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference
in the registration statement.

     (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

     (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

     (4)  If the registrant is a foreign private issuer, to file a post-
effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial
statements required by Rule 3-19 of Regulation S-X at the start of any delayed
offering or throughout a continuous offering.

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, IN HARRINGTON PARK, COUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ON THIS
7TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1995.

                                         UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
                                         (Registrant)


                                         By /s/  Donald L. Correll
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           (Donald L. Correll, President and
                                               Chief Executive Officer)


                                   SIGNATURES

     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints each of Donald L. Correll, E. Ellsworth
McMeen, III and Allan D. Shakley (with full power to each of them to act alone),
his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of
substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-
effective amendments) of and supplements to this Registration Statement and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each such
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitutes, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, to all intents and purposes and as fully as he or she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each such
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Signature                            Title                 Date
-------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ---------------
<S>                                          <C>                       <C>
 
                                             Chairman of the Board of
/s/ Donald L. Correll                        Directors, President and  August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------  Chief Executive Officer
(Donald L. Correll, Chairman of the Board
         of Directors, President
      and Chief Executive Officer)
 
                                               Principal Financial
/s/ John J. Turner                            Officer and Principal    August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer
    (John J. Turner, Treasurer)
 
/s/ Edward E. Barr                                   Director          August  7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
          (Edward E. Barr)
</TABLE> 

                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Signature                            Title                 Date
-------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ---------------
<S>                                          <C>                       <C>

                                                      
/s/ Frank J. Borelli                                 Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
        (Frank J. Borelli)
                                                     Director
-------------------------------------------
        (Philippe Brogniart)

/s/ Lawrence R. Codey                                Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
        (Lawrence R. Codey)

/s/ Peter Del Col                                    Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
          (Peter Del Col)

/s/ Allan R. Dragone                                 Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
        (Allan R. Dragone)

/s/ Robert L. Duncan, Jr.                            Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
      (Robert L. Duncan, Jr.)

/s/ Jon F. Hanson                                    Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
          (Jon F. Hanson)

/s/ George M. Haskew, Jr.                            Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
      (George M. Haskew, Jr.)

                                                     Director
-------------------------------------------
        (Douglas W. Hawes)

/s/ Dennis M. Newnham                                Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
       (Dennis M. Newnham)
                                                     Director
-------------------------------------------
        (Jacques F. Petry)

/s/ Marcia L. Worthing                               Director          August 7, 1995
-------------------------------------------
       (Marcia L. Worthing)
</TABLE>

                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                                           Sequentially
 Exhibit                                                                                    Numbered
   No.                                      Description                                        Page
---------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
 
<S>        <C>                                                                             <C>
3(a)   --  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Water Resources Inc.,
           dated July 14, 1987. (Filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Registration Statement No.
           33-20067).
3(b)    -- Certificate of Correction to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
           United Water Resources Inc., dated August 13, 1987.  (Filed as Exhibit 4(c)
           to Registration Statement No. 33-20067).
3(c)    -- Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
           United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22, 1994, amending Articles 5,
           6, 7 and 9.
3(d)    -- Amended By-laws of United Water Resources Inc. dated as of March 10,
           1994.  (Filed as Exhibit 4(1) to Form 10-K for the year ended
           December 31, 1993).
4(a)    -- Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
           United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22, 1994, for Series A
           Cumulative Convertible Preference Stock of United Water Resources Inc.
4(b)    -- Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
           United Water Resources Inc., dated April 22, 1994, for Series B 7 5/8%
           Cumulative Preferred Stock of United Water Resources Inc.
4(c)    -- Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (See Prospectus).
4(d)    -- Specimen of United Water Resources Inc. Common Stock (Filed as
           Exhibit 4(d) to Registration Statement No. 2-90540).
4(e)    -- Rights Agreement, dated as of July 12, 1989, between United Water
           Resources, Inc. and First Interstate Bank, Ltd.  (Filed as Exhibit 4(c) to
           Registration Statement No. 33-32672).
4(f)    -- Governance Agreement between United Water Resources Inc. and
           Lyonnaise American Holding, Inc., dated April 22, 1994.  (Filed in
           Appendix A to Registration Statement No. 33-51703).
5(a)    -- Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
23(a)   -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23(b)   -- Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.  (Contained in
           their opinion filed as Exhibit 5(a)).
24(a)   -- Power of Attorney (included in signature page).
24(b)   -- Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors.
</TABLE>

                                      II-6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 3(c)

                   CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE RESTATED
                        CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.


TO:  THE SECRETARY OF STATE
     STATE OF NEW JERSEY

          Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 14A:9-2(4) and 14A:9-4(3) of
the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation executes
the following Certificate of Amendment to its Restated Certificate of
Incorporation:

          1.  The name of the corporation is United Water Resources Inc.
(hereinafter called the "Corporation").

          2.  The following amendments to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation were approved by the Board of Directors and thereafter were duly
adopted by the shareholders of the Corporation on the 10th day of March, 1994:

          RESOLVED, that Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Restated Certificate of
          Incorporation be and hereby are amended to read in their entirety as
          follows:

          "5.  The shares of capital stock which the Corporation has authority
to issue shall consist of the following:

          (a) Common Stock divided into 50,000,000 shares, without par value,

          (b) Preferred Stock divided into 1,000,000 shares, without par value,
and

          (c) Preference Stock divided into 5,000,000 shares, without par value.

          6.   No stock of any class shall entitle any holder thereof as a
matter of right to subscribe for, purchase or receive, or to have any other
preemptive rights in respect of, any part of the Corporation's capital stock.
All shares of Preference Stock shall be subordinate to the Preferred Stock of
the Corporation with respect to the payment of dividends, distributions,
redemptions and in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution
or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary.  All shares
of Common Stock will participate equally with respect to dividends and will rank
equally upon liquidation.  The holders of Common Stock will be entitled to one
vote per share in the election of Directors and other matters.

          7.   Subject to Article 6 above, the Board of Directors is hereby
empowered with respect to the Corporation's shares of Preferred Stock and
Preference Stock to determine or change for any
<PAGE>
 
class or series its designation,  number of shares and relative, participating,
optional and other special rights, preferences and limitations.  The Board of
Directors is further empowered to cause the Preferred Stock and Preference Stock
to be issued in series with variations as to (a) the rates of dividend payable
thereon, (b) the terms on which the same may be redeemed, (c) the amount which
shall be paid to the holders thereof in case of dissolution or any distribution
of assets, (d) the terms or amount of any sinking fund provided for the purchase
or redemption thereof and (e) the terms upon which the holders thereof may
convert the same into stock of any other class or classes or of any one or more
series of the same class or of another class or classes."

          RESOLVED, that Sections 9.1 and 9.2 of Article 9 of the Restated
          Certificate of Incorporation be and hereby are amended to read in
          their entirety as follows:

          "9.1  The number of Directors of the Corporation shall not be less
than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15) subject to the right of the holders of
any series of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock then outstanding to elect
additional Directors under specified circumstances, as may be specified from
time to time in the By-Laws of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors shall be
divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III.  The By-Laws shall
provide for the number of Directors in each of the respective classes, which
shall be as nearly equal in number as possible.  The initial term of office of
the Directors in each class shall commence with election at the 1984 annual
meeting of shareholders.  Each Director elected at an annual meeting of
shareholders shall hold office until the date and the time of the third annual
meeting of shareholders following the annual meeting of shareholders at which
such Director was elected (and until his successor shall have been elected and
qualified), except as provided in Section 9.3 of this Article and except that
the term of office of the initial Directors in Class I shall expire on the date
and at the time of the 1985 annual meeting of shareholders (and until their
respective successors shall have been elected and qualified) and the term of
office of the initial Directors in Class II shall expire on the date and at the
time of the 1986 annual meeting of shareholders (and until their respective
successors shall have been elected and qualified).

          9.2  Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred
Stock or Preference Stock then outstanding, any Director may be removed from
office at any time by the shareholders of the Corporation, but only for cause,
by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by the holders of
shares entitled to vote for the election of Directors.  No removal shall be
effective until a final determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that
cause exists for such removal.  No decrease in the number of Directors
constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent
Director.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock
or Preference Stock then outstanding, any Director may be removed from office at
any time but only for cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of all
Directors."

          3.   The total number of shares entitled to vote on the adoption of
the amendment was 20,494,184.

          4.   The number of shares voting for, voting against and abstaining
from the vote on such amendment is as follows:

     NUMBER OF SHARES       NUMBER OF SHARES
        VOTING FOR           VOTING AGAINST      NUMBER OF SHARES
        AMENDMENT              AMENDMENT            ABSTAINING


        12,498,712               384,378              167,428

          5.   The effective date of this Certificate of Amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation shall be April 22, 1994.

                              UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.



                              By:  /s/ Donald L. Correll
                                 -------------------------
                                 Donald L. Correll
                                 President and
                                    Chief Executive Officer


Dated:  April 22, 1994

                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4(a)

                   CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE RESTATED
                        CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.


TO:  THE SECRETARY OF STATE
     STATE OF NEW JERSEY

          Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 14A:9-2(4) and 14A:9-4(3) of
the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation executes
the following Certificate of Amendment to its Restated Certificate of
Incorporation:

          1.  The name of the corporation is United Water Resources Inc.
(hereinafter called the "Corporation").

          2.  The following amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation was approved by the Board of Directors and thereafter was duly
adopted by the shareholders of the Corporation on the 10th day of March, 1994:

          RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority granted to and vested in the
          Board of Directors of this Corporation (hereinafter called the "Board
          of Directors") in accordance with the provisions of the Restated
          Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, the Board of
          Directors hereby amends the Restated Certificate of Incorporation by
          the addition of the following provision stating the number,
          designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations of a series
          of Preference Stock of the Corporation, designated as Series A
          Cumulative Convertible Preference Stock:

          Series A Cumulative Convertible Preference Stock:

          Section 1.  Designation and Amount.  (a)  The shares of such series
                      ----------------------                                 
shall be designated as the "Series A Cumulative Convertible Preference Stock"
(the "Series A Preference Stock") and the number of shares constituting such
series shall be 4,000,000, which number may be increased or decreased by the
Board of Directors without a vote of stockholders; provided, however, that such
                                                   --------  -------           
number may not be decreased below the number of then currently outstanding
shares of Series A Preference Stock plus the number of shares of Series A
Preference Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options,
rights or warrants or upon the conversion of any outstanding securities issued
by the Corporation convertible into Series A Preference Stock.

          (b) The Series A Preference Stock shall rank, with respect to voting
powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special
rights of the shares of such series and the qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof, including, without limitation, with respect to the payment
of dividends and the distribution of assets, whether upon liquidation or
otherwise, (i) equally with respect to all other series of Parity Stock (as
defined in Section 10), (ii) after all shares of
<PAGE>
 
any class or series of the Senior Stock (as defined in Section 10), and (iii)
prior to all shares of Junior Stock (as defined in Section 10).

          Section 2.  Dividends and Distributions.  (a)  Subject to the rights
                      ---------------------------                             
of the holders of any shares of Senior Stock, the holders of shares of Series A
Preference Stock, in preference to the holders of any shares of Junior Stock,
shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors
out of funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, cumulative cash
dividends at the annual rate of $.69 per share, and no more, in equal quarterly
payments on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 in each year (each
such date being referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date"),
commencing on the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date which is at least 10
days after the Issue Date (as defined in Section 10) of the Series A Preference
Stock; provided, however, that with respect to such first Quarterly Dividend
       --------  -------                                                    
Payment Date, the holders of shares of Series A Preference Stock shall be
entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of
funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, a cumulative cash dividend
in respect of each share of Series A Preference Stock in an amount equal to the
product of (i) $.69 and (ii) a fraction equal to the number of days from (and
including) the Issue Date to (but excluding) such Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date divided by 90, and no more.

          (b) Dividends payable pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 2
shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from the Issue Date.  The amount of
dividends so payable shall be determined on the basis of a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months.  Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear
interest.  Dividends paid on the shares of Series A Preference Stock in an
amount less than the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and
payable on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis
among all such shares at the time outstanding.  The Board of Directors may fix a
record date for the determination of holders of shares of Series A Preference
Stock entitled to receive payment of a dividend declared thereon, which record
date shall be no more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the payment
thereof.

          (c) In case the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time
declare, order, pay or make a dividend or other distribution (including, without
limitation, any distribution of stock or other securities or property or rights
or warrants to subscribe for securities of the Corporation or any subsidiary of
the Corporation) on its Common Stock, without par value (the "Common Stock"),
other than (i) dividends payable in cash from retained earnings of the
Corporation, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied in accordance with past practice, (ii) any
dividend or distribution of shares of Common Stock or (iii) any distribution
pursuant to any employee benefit plan or program of the Corporation, then, and
in each such case, the holders of shares of Series A Preference Stock

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation, with respect to each share of
Series A Preference Stock held, the same dividend or distribution received by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series A
Preference Stock is convertible on the record date for such dividend or
distribution (which amount shall be determined without regard to whether the
shares of Series A Preference Stock are then actually convertible pursuant to
Section 8).  Any such dividend or distribution shall be declared, ordered, paid
or made on the Series A Preference Stock at the same time such dividend or
distribution is declared, ordered, paid or made on the Common Stock and the
record date for such dividend or distribution on the Series A Preference Stock
shall be the same record date for such dividend or distribution on the Common
Stock.

          (d) The holders of shares of Series A Preference Stock shall not be
entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions except as provided
herein.

          Section 3.  Voting Rights.  In addition to any voting rights provided
                      -------------                                            
by law, the holders of shares of Series A Preference Stock shall have the
following voting rights:

          (a) If on any date a total of six consecutive quarterly dividends on
the Series A Preference Stock have fully accrued but have not been paid in full
(a "Dividend Default"), the holders of shares of Series A Preference Stock shall
have the right, voting together as a single class, to elect one director, which
director may but need not be an officer of the Corporation, to the Board of
Directors.  For the taking of any action as provided in this Section 3 by the
holders of shares of the Series A Preference Stock, each such holder shall have
one vote for each share of such stock standing in his or her name on the
transfer books of the Corporation as of any record date fixed for such purpose
or, if no such date be fixed, at the close of business on the Trading Day (as
defined in Section 10) next preceding the day on which notice is given, or if
notice is waived, at the close of business on the Trading Day next preceding the
day on which the meeting is held.  Such right of the holders of shares of Series
A Preference Stock to vote for the election of such director to the Board of
Directors may be exercised at any annual meeting of stockholders or at any
special meeting of stockholders called for such purpose as hereinafter provided
or at any adjournment thereof, or by the written consent, delivered to the
Secretary of the Corporation, of the holders of a majority of all outstanding
shares of Series A Preference Stock, until dividends in default on the
outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock shall have been paid in full, at
which time the term of office of the director so elected shall terminate
automatically.  So long as such right to vote continues (and unless such right
has been exercised by written consent of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock as hereinabove authorized), the
Secretary of the Corporation may call, and upon the written request of the
holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Pre-

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
ference Stock addressed to him at the principal office of the Corporation shall
call, a special meeting of the holders of such shares for the election of such
director as provided herein.  Such meeting shall be held within 30 days after
delivery of such request to the Secretary, at the place and upon the notice
provided by law and in the Corporation's By-laws for the holding of meetings of
stockholders of the Corporation.  No such special meeting or adjournment thereof
shall be held on a date less than 30 days before an annual meeting of
stockholders or any special meeting in lieu thereof.  If at any such annual or
special meeting or any adjournment thereof the holders of a majority of the then
outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock entitled to vote in such
election shall be present or represented by proxy, or if the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock shall have acted
by written consent in lieu of a meeting with respect thereto, then the
authorized number of directors shall be increased by one, and the holders of the
Series A Preference Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional director.
The absence of a quorum of the holders of any other class or series of capital
stock of the Corporation at any such annual or special meeting shall not affect
the exercise by the holders of the Series A Preference Stock of such voting
rights.  A director so elected shall serve until the next annual meeting or
until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify, unless the term
of office of the person so elected as director shall have terminated under the
circumstances set forth in the second sentence of this paragraph (a).  If the
director so elected by the holders of the Series A Preference Stock as a class
shall cease to serve as a member of the Board of Directors before his or her
term shall expire, the holders of the Series A Preference Stock then outstanding
and entitled to vote for such director may, by written consent as hereinabove
provided, or at a special meeting of such holders called as provided above,
elect a successor to hold office for the unexpired term of the director whose
place shall be vacant.  After the holders of the Series A Preference Stock shall
have exercised their right to elect the director pursuant to the terms of this
paragraph (a), the authorized number of directors shall not be increased or
decreased, regardless of the terms of any shares of Junior Stock, or decreased,
regardless of the terms of any other stock of the Corporation, except by a class
vote of the holders of the Series A Preference Stock as provided above.  The
rights of the holders of the Series A Preference Stock to elect the director
pursuant to the terms of this paragraph (a) shall not be adversely affected by
the voting or other rights applicable to any other security of the Corporation.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (a), the director
elected or appointed pursuant to this paragraph (a) as a result of a Dividend
Default shall not be elected or appointed if the Corporation is advised in
writing by its outside counsel that such director would not be qualified under
the Corporation's Restated Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or any
applicable statutory or regulatory standards to serve as a director of the
Corporation or if the Corporation otherwise reasonably objects to such director
because such director either (i) is a director or officer of a direct

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
competitor of the Corporation or (ii) has engaged in any adverse conduct that
would require disclosure under Item 7 of Schedule 14A promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in which case the holders of the
Series A Preference Stock shall withdraw such director and elect or nominate a
replacement therefor (which replacement would be subject to the requirements of
this sentence).  Any such objection by the Corporation must be made no later
than fourteen (14) days after the holders of the Series A Preference Stock
identify such director to the Corporation.

          (b) Except as provided herein or as required by law, the holders of
shares of Series A Preference Stock shall have no voting rights and their
consent shall not be required for the taking of any corporate action.

          Section 4.  Certain Restrictions.  (a)  Whenever quarterly dividends
                      --------------------                                    
payable on shares of Series A Preference Stock as provided in Section 2 hereof
are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends, whether
or not declared, on the outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock shall
have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment, the Corporation
shall not:  (i) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, on
any shares of Junior Stock other than dividends or distributions payable in
Junior Stock; or (ii) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions,
on any shares of Parity Stock, except (1) dividends or distributions payable in
Junior Stock and (2) dividends or distributions paid ratably on the Series A
Preference Stock and all Parity Stock on which dividends are payable or in
arrears, in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all shares
of the Series A Preference Stock and such Parity Stock are then entitled.

          (b) Whenever quarterly dividends payable on shares of Series A
Preference Stock provided in Section 2 hereof are in arrears, thereafter and
until all accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, on the
outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock shall have been paid in full or
declared and set apart for payment, the Corporation shall not:  (i) redeem or
purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of Junior Stock or
Parity Stock; or (ii) purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares
of Series A Preference Stock.

          (c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the
Corporation from declaring or effecting any dividend, distribution or redemption
pursuant to the Rights Agreement (as defined in Section 10).

          (d)  The Corporation shall not permit any majority-owned direct or
indirect subsidiary of the Corporation to purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of capital stock of the Corporation unless the
Corporation could, pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 4, purchase such
shares at such time and in such manner.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 5.  Redemption.  (a)  On the tenth anniversary of the Issue
                      ----------                                             
Date (the "Redemption Date"), and subject to the rights of the holders of any
shares of Senior Stock, the Corporation shall, at a redemption price per share
equal to the sum of $13.794 per share (the "Liquidation Preference") plus an
amount equal to all dividends per share accrued and unpaid on the Redemption
Date (including a per share dividend in an amount equal to the product of (i)
the Liquidation Preference and (ii) a fraction equal to the number of days from
(and including) the last Quarterly Dividend Payment Date to (but excluding) the
Redemption Date divided by 90) (the "Redemption Price"), redeem out of funds
legally available therefor, all shares of Series A Preference Stock outstanding
on the Redemption Date; provided, however, that if there are insufficient
                        --------  -------                                
legally available funds for redemption under this paragraph (a), the Corporation
shall redeem such lesser number of shares of Series A Preference Stock, to the
extent there are funds legally available therefor, and shall redeem all or part
of the remainder of the shares of Series A Preference Stock subject to
redemption as soon as the Corporation has sufficient funds which are legally
available therefor, until all such shares of Series A Preference Stock have been
redeemed.

          (b) In the event of a redemption of only a portion of the then
outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock, the Corporation shall effect
such redemption pro rata according to the number of shares held by each holder
of Series A Preference Stock.

          (c) Notice of the redemption of shares of Series A Preference Stock
(the "Redemption Notice") shall be mailed not less than 20, but not more than 60
days prior to the Redemption Date to each holder of shares of Series A
Preference Stock to be redeemed, at such holder's address as it appears, on the
transfer books of the Corporation.

          (d) On or before the Redemption Date each holder of Series A
Preference Stock shall surrender the certificate or certificates representing
such shares of Series A Preference Stock to the Corporation, in the manner and
at the place designated in the Redemption Notice, and thereupon the Redemption
Price for such shares shall be payable in cash on the Redemption Date to the
person whose name appears on such certificate or certificates as the owner
thereof, and each surrendered certificate shall be cancelled and retired.  The
Corporation shall not be obligated to make any redemption payment unless or
until the certificates representing the shares to be redeemed have been
surrendered in accordance with this paragraph (d). In the event that less than
all of the shares represented by any such certificate are redeemed, a new
certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares.

          (e) Unless the Corporation defaults in the payment in full of the
Redemption Price, dividends on the Series A  Preference Stock called for
redemption shall cease to accumulate on the Redemption Date, and all rights of
the holders of such shares redeemed shall cease to have any further rights with
respect

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
thereto on the Redemption Date, other than to receive the Redemption Price
without interest.

          Section 6.  Reacquired Shares.  Any shares of Series A Preference
                      -----------------                                    
Stock converted, redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in
any manner whatsoever shall be retired and cancelled promptly after the
acquisition thereof.  All such shares shall upon their cancellation become
authorized but unissued shares of preference stock, without par value, of the
Corporation and may be reissued as part of another series of preference stock,
without par value, of the Corporation subject to the conditions or restrictions
on authorizing or creating any class or series, or any shares of any class or
series as set forth herein.

          Section 7.  Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.  (a)  Upon any
                      --------------------------------------                
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation,
whether voluntary or involuntary, no distribution shall be made (i) to the
holders of shares of Junior Stock, unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares
of Series A Preference Stock shall have received the Liquidation Preference per
share of Preference Stock, plus an amount per share equal to all accrued but
unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not declared, to the date of such payment
or (ii) to the holders of shares of Parity Stock, except distributions made
ratably on the Series A Preference Stock and all such Parity Stock in proportion
to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are entitled upon
such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.  If, upon any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation,
whether voluntary or involuntary, the net assets of the Corporation
distributable among the holders of all outstanding shares of Series A Preference
Stock and any other series of Parity Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to all such
holders of the preferential amounts to which they are entitled, then, the net
assets so distributable shall be distributed among such holders ratably in
proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be entitled.

          (b) Neither the consolidation, merger or other business combination of
the Corporation with or into any other Person (as defined in Section 10) or
Persons nor the sale, lease, exchange or conveyance of all or any part of the
property, assets or business of the Corporation to a Person or Persons other
than the holders of the Junior Stock, shall be deemed to be a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation for purposes of this Section 7.

          Section 8.  Conversion.  Any conversion of shares of the Series A
                      ----------                                           
Preference Stock or any portion thereof shall be subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in this Section 8.

          (a) Each share of Series A Preference Stock shall be convertible at
the option of the holder thereof into .83333 fully paid and nonassessable share
of Common Stock (subject to adjustment

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
from time to time pursuant to paragraphs (b) through (f) of this Section 8) at
any time from (and including) the second anniversary of the Issue Date to (and
including) the Redemption Date.

          (b) The number of shares of Common Stock into which each share of
Series A Preference Stock is convertible shall be subject to adjustment from
time to time as follows:

               (i) In case the Corporation shall at any time or from time to
          time pay a dividend, or make a distribution, on the outstanding shares
          of Common Stock in shares of Common Stock or subdivide or reclassify
          the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares
          or combine or reclassify the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a
          smaller number of shares of Common Stock, then, and in each such case,

                    (A) the number of shares of Common Stock into which each
               share of Series A Preference Stock is convertible shall be
               adjusted so that the holder of each share thereof shall be
               entitled to receive, upon the conversion thereof, the number of
               shares of Common Stock which the holder of a share of Series A
               Preference Stock would have been entitled to receive after the
               happening of any of the events described above had such share
               been converted immediately prior to the happening of such event
               or the record date therefor, whichever is earlier; and

                    (B) any adjustment made pursuant to this subparagraph (i)
               shall become effective (x) in the case of any such dividend or
               distribution, immediately after the close of business on the
               record date for the determination of holders of shares of Common
               Stock entitled to receive such dividend or distribution, or (y)
               in the case of any such subdivision, reclassification or
               combination, at the close of business on the day upon which such
               corporate action becomes effective.

              (ii) In case the Corporation shall issue shares of Common Stock
          (or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
          Common Stock) after the Issue Date (the "Issued Securities") at a
          price per share of Common Stock (or having a conversion or exchange
          price per share of Common Stock) less than the Closing Price per share
          of Common Stock on the Trading Day (as defined in Section 10)
          immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Issued Securities
          other than (w) in a transaction to which paragraph (c) of Section 2 or
          subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (b) is applicable, (x) pursuant to
          any plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest
          payable on securities of the Corporation, and the investment of
          additional option amounts, in shares of

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
          Common Stock, in any such case at a price per share of not less than
          95% of the current market price (determined as provided in such plans)
          per share of Common Stock, or pursuant to any employee benefit plan or
          program of the Corporation or pursuant to the Rights Agreement, (y)
          pursuant to any underwritten public offering where the price to public
          per share of Common Stock (or the conversion or exchange price per
          share of Common Stock based upon the price to public) is at or above
          the Closing Price on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of
          pricing of such offering, or (z) as consideration for the acquisition
          of all or a portion of the stock or assets of any Person which is not
          a subsidiary of the Corporation, then, and in each such case,

                    (A) the number of shares of Common Stock into which each
               share of Series A Preference Stock is convertible shall be
               adjusted so that the holder of each share thereof shall be
               entitled to receive, upon the conversion thereof, the number of
               shares of Common Stock determined by multiplying the number of
               shares of Common Stock into which each share of Series A
               Preference Stock was convertible at the close of business on the
               Trading Day immediately preceding the date of issuance of such
               Issued Securities by a fraction (I) the numerator of which is the
               sum of (1) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at
               the close of business on the Trading Day immediately preceding
               the date of issuance of such Issued Securities and (2) the number
               of additional shares of Common Stock issued (or issuable upon the
               conversion or exchange of such Issued Securities into Common
               Stock) and (II) the denominator of which is the sum of (1) the
               number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of
               business on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of
               issuance of such Issued Securities and (2) the number of shares
               of Common Stock which the aggregate consideration paid for such
               Issued Securities would purchase at the Closing Price per share
               of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date
               of issuance of such Issued Securities.  For purposes of this
               subparagraph (ii), the aggregate consideration paid for the
               Issued Securities shall be deemed to be equal to the sum of the
               aggregate subscription or purchase price paid by the purchasers
               of the Issued Securities from any underwriter or placement agent
               thereof plus the aggregate amount, if any, payable upon the
               conversion or exchange of the Issued Securities into shares of
               Common Stock; and

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
                    (B) any adjustment made pursuant to this subparagraph (ii)
               shall become effective immediately after the date of issuance of
               such Issued Securities.

               (iii)     In case at any time the Corporation shall be a party to
          any transaction (including, without limitation, a merger,
          consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation's
          assets, liquidation or recapitalization of the Common Stock and
          excluding any transaction to which subparagraph (i) or (ii) of this
          paragraph (b) applies) in which the previously outstanding Common
          Stock shall be changed into or, pursuant to the operation of law or
          the terms of the transaction to which the Corporation is a party,
          exchanged for different securities of the Corporation or common stock
          or other securities of another corporation or interests in a
          noncorporate entity or other property (including cash) or any
          combination of any of the foregoing, then, as a condition of the
          consummation of such transaction, lawful and adequate provision shall
          be made so that the holder of each share of Series A Preference Stock
          shall be entitled, upon conversion, to an amount per share equal to
          (A) the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash and/or any other
          property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or for
          which each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged times (B) the
          number of shares of Common Stock into which a share of Series A
          Preference Stock is convertible immediately prior to the consummation
          of such transaction.

          (c) In case the Corporation shall be a party to a transaction
described in subparagraph (b)(iii) above resulting in the change or exchange of
the Corporation's Common Stock then, from and after the date of announcement of
the pendency of such subparagraph (b)(iii) transaction until the effective date
thereof, each share of Series A Preference Stock may be converted, at the option
of the holder thereof, into shares of Common Stock on the terms and conditions
set forth in this Section 8, and if so converted during such period, such holder
shall be entitled to receive such consideration in exchange for such holder's
shares of Common Stock as if such holder had been the holder of such shares of
Common Stock as of the record date for such change or exchange of the Common
Stock.

          (d) If any adjustment in the number of shares of Common Stock into
which each share of Series A Preference Stock may be converted required pursuant
to this Section 8 would result in an increase or decrease of less than 1% in the
number of shares of Common Stock into which each share of Series A Preference
Stock is then convertible, the amount of any such adjustment shall be carried
forward and adjustment with respect thereto shall be made at the time of and
together with any subsequent adjustment, which,

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
together with such amount and any other amount or amounts so carried forward,
shall aggregate at least 1% of the number of shares of Common Stock into which
each share of Series A Preference Stock is then convertible.

          (e) The Board of Directors may increase the number of shares of Common
Stock into which each share of Series A Preference Stock may be converted, in
addition to the adjustments required by this Section 8, as shall be determined
by it (as evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors) to be advisable
in order to avoid or diminish any income deemed to be received by any holder for
federal income tax purposes of shares of Common Stock or Series A Preference
Stock resulting from any events or occurrences giving rise to adjustments
pursuant to this Section 8 or from any other similar event.

          (f) The holder of any shares of Series A Preference Stock may exercise
his right to convert such shares into shares of Common Stock, subject to the
limitations in this Section 8, by surrendering for such purpose to the
Corporation, at its principal office or at such other office or agency
maintained by the Corporation for that purpose, a certificate or certificates
representing the shares of Series A Preference Stock to be converted accompanied
by a written notice stating that such holder elects to convert all or a
specified whole number of such shares in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 8 and specifying the name or names in which such holder wishes the
certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock to be issued.  In case
such notice shall specify a name or names other than that of such holder, such
notice shall be accompanied by payment of all transfer taxes payable upon the
issuance of shares of Common Stock in such name or names.  Other than such
taxes, the Corporation will pay any and all issue and other taxes (other than
taxes based on income) that may be payable in respect of any issue or delivery
of shares of Common Stock on conversion of Series A Preference Stock pursuant
hereto.  Within 15 days after the surrender of such certificate or certificates
and the receipt of such notice relating thereto and, if applicable, payment of
all transfer taxes (or the demonstration to the satisfaction of the Corporation
that such taxes have been paid), the Corporation shall deliver or cause to be
delivered (i) certificates representing the number of validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable full shares of Common Stock to which the holder of shares of
Series A Preference Stock so converted, shall be entitled and (ii) if less than
the full number of shares of Series A Preference Stock evidenced by the
surrendered certificate or certificates are being converted, a new certificate
or certificates, of like tenor, for the number of shares evidenced by such
surrendered certificate or certificates less the number of shares converted.
Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made at the close of business on
the date of giving of such notice and of such surrender of the certificate or
certificates representing the shares of Series A Preference Stock to be
converted so that the rights of the holder thereof as to the shares being
converted shall cease except for the right to receive shares

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
of Common Stock in accordance herewith, and the person entitled to receive the
shares of Common Stock shall be treated for all purposes as having become the
record holder of such shares of Common Stock at such time.

          (g) Upon conversion of any shares of Series A Preference Stock, the
holder thereof shall not thereafter be entitled to receive any accumulated,
accrued or unpaid dividends in respect of the shares of Series A Preference
Stock so converted; provided, however, that such holder shall be entitled to
                    --------  -------                                       
receive any dividends on such shares of Series A Preference Stock declared prior
to such conversion if such holder held such shares on the record date fixed for
the determination of holders of shares of Series A Preference Stock entitled to
receive payment of such dividend.

          (h) In connection with the conversion of any shares of Series A
Preference Stock, no fractions of shares of Common Stock shall be issued, but in
lieu thereof the Corporation shall pay a cash adjustment in respect of such
fractional interest in an amount equal to such fractional interest multiplied by
the Closing Price per share of Common Stock on the day on which such shares of
Series A Preference Stock are deemed to have been converted.

          (i) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out
of its authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting
the conversion of the Shares of the Series A Preference Stock, such number of
shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the
conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock.  The
Corporation shall from time to time, subject to and in accordance with the laws
of the State of New Jersey, increase the authorized amount of Common Stock if at
any time the number of authorized shares of Common Stock remaining unissued
shall not be sufficient to permit the conversion at such time of all then
outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock.

          (j) In computing the adjustment which a holder of Series A Preference
Stock shall receive pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 8, the fact that
shares of Series A Preference Stock may not be presently convertible shall be
ignored and such computation shall be made as if such shares were presently
convertible.

          Section 9.  Reports as to Adjustments.  Whenever the number of shares
                      -------------------------                                
of Common Stock into which each share of Series A Preference Stock is
convertible is adjusted as provided in Section 8, the Corporation shall promptly
mail to the holders of record of the outstanding shares of Series A Preference
Stock at their respective addresses as the same shall appear in the
Corporation's stock records a notice stating that the number of shares of Common
Stock into which the shares of Series A Preference Stock are convertible has
been adjusted and setting forth the new number of shares of Common Stock (or
describing the new stock,

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
securities, cash or other property) into which each share of Series A Preference
Stock is convertible (and the new number of votes to which each share of Series
A Preference Stock is entitled), as a result of such adjustment, a brief
statement of the facts requiring such adjustment and the computation thereof,
and when such adjustment became effective.

          Section 10.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this Certificate of
                       -----------                                          
Amendment relating to the Series A Preference Stock which embodies this
resolution:

          "Closing Price" per share of Common Stock on any date shall be the
last sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day,
the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in either case as
reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or,
if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange, as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system
with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange
on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Common
Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange,
the last quoted sale price or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and
low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ")
or such other system then in use, or, if on any such date the Common Stock is
not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked
prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the Common
Stock selected by the Board of Directors.  If the Common Stock is not publicly
held or so listed or publicly traded, "Closing Price" shall mean the per share
amount which a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an arms-length
transaction as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.

          "Issue Date" shall mean the first date on which shares of Series A
Preference Stock are issued.

          "Junior Stock" shall mean the Common Stock and any other capital stock
of the Corporation ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary)
to the Series A Preference Stock.

          "Parity Stock" shall mean any capital stock of the Corporation ranking
on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary) with the Series A
Preference Stock.

          "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture,
corporation, trust, unincorporated organization or other

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

          "Rights Agreement" shall mean the Rights Agreement dated as of July
12, 1989, as amended September 15, 1993 and as such agreement may be further
amended, extended, renewed or replaced from time to time, between the
Corporation and First Interstate Bank, Ltd., as Rights Agent, or any successor
Rights Agent.

          "Senior Stock" shall mean the Corporation's Series A Participating
Preferred Stock, without par value, the Corporation's Series B 7-5/8% Cumulative
Preferred Stock, without par value, and any other capital stock of the
Corporation ranking senior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary)
to the Series A Preference Stock.

          "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which the principal national
securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading
is open for the transaction of business or, if the Common Stock is not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, any day other than a
Saturday, Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New
York or New Jersey are authorized or obligated to close.

          Section 11.  Amendment.  The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
                       ---------                                               
the Corporation shall not be amended in any manner which would alter or change
the powers, preferences or special rights of the Series A Preference Stock so as
to affect them adversely without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A Preference Stock, voting
together as a single class.

          3.  The resolution set forth in the preceding paragraph was duly
adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on September 15, 1993.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
          4.  The total number of shares entitled to vote on the adoption of the
amendment was 20,494,184.

          5.  The number of shares voting for, voting against and abstaining
from the vote on such amendment is as follows:

 NUMBER OF SHARES       NUMBER OF SHARES  NUMBER OF SHARES
    VOTING FOR           VOTING AGAINST      ABSTAINING
     AMENDMENT             AMENDMENT

    12,498,712              384,378            167,428


          6.  The effective date of this Certificate of Amendment is April 22,
1994.

                                    UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
 


                                    By   /s/ Donald L. Correll
                                       -----------------------
                                       Donald L. Correll
                                       President and Chief
                                         Executive Officer

DATED:  April 22, 1994

                                      -15-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4(b)


                        CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
                   RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.


To:  THE SECRETARY OF STATE
     STATE OF NEW JERSEY

          Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 14A:9-2(4) and 14A:9-4(3) of
the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation executes
the following Certificate of Amendment to its Restated Certificate of
Incorporation:

          1.  The name of the corporation is United Water Resources Inc.
(hereinafter called the "Corporation").

          2.  The following amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation was approved by the Board of Directors and thereafter was duly
adopted by the shareholders of the Corporation on the 10th day of March, 1994:

          RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority granted to and vested in the
          Board of Directors of this Corporation (hereinafter called the "Board
          of Directors") in accordance with the provisions of the Restated
          Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, the Board of
          Directors hereby amends the Restated Certificate of Incorporation by
          the addition of the following provision stating the number,
          designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations of a series
          of Preferred Stock of the Corporation, designated as Series B 7 5/8%
          Cumulative Preferred Stock:

          Series B 7 5/8% Cumulative Preferred Stock:

          Section 1.  Number of shares and designation.  Three hundred thousand
                      --------------------------------                         
(300,000) shares of the Preferred Stock (without par value) of the Corporation
are hereby constituted as a series of such Preferred Stock designated as "Series
B 7 5/8% Cumulative Preferred Stock" and each share of which shall have a stated
value of $100 (hereinafter called the "Series B Preferred Stock").

          Section 2.  Dividends.  (a)  The holders of shares of the Series B
                      ---------                                             
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive cash dividends, when and as
declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or by a duly authorized
committee of said Board of Directors, out of assets legally available for the
purpose, at the rate set forth below in this Section (2) applied to the stated
<PAGE>
 
value of $100 per share.  Such dividends shall be cumulative from the date of
original issue of such shares (whether or not there shall have been net profits
or net assets of the Corporation legally available for the payment of dividends
at the time such dividends were payable) and shall be payable quarterly, when
and as declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or by a duly
authorized committee of said Board of Directors, on December 1, March 1, June 1
and September 1 of each year, commencing on December 1, 1992.  Each such
dividend shall be payable to the holders of record of shares of the Series B
Preferred Stock as they appear on the stock register of the Corporation on such
record date, not more than 60 days preceding the payment date thereof, as shall
be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or by a duly authorized
committee of said Board of Directors, provided that such record date shall not
precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted.
Dividends on account of arrears for any past dividend periods (as defined in
Subsection (b) of this Section (2)) may be declared and paid at any time,
without reference to any regular dividend payment date, to holders of record on
such record date, not exceeding 60 days preceding the payment date thereof, as
may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or a duly authorized
committee of said Board of Directors.

          (b)  Dividend periods (hereinafter called "Dividend Periods") shall
commence on March 2, June 2, September 2 and December 2 of each year (other than
the initial Dividend Period which shall commence on the date of original issue
of the Series B Preferred Stock) and shall end on and include the calendar day
next preceding the first day of the next Dividend Period.  The dividend rate on
the shares of Series B Preferred Stock for the period from the date of original
issue thereof to and including December 1, 1992 and for each Dividend Period
thereafter shall be 7 5/8% per annum.  The amount of dividends payable for each
full Dividend Period for the Series B Preferred Stock shall be computed by
dividing the dividend rate of 7 5/8% per annum by four and applying the
resulting rate of 1.90625% to the stated valued of $100 per share. The amount of
dividends payable for the initial Dividend Period on the Series B Preferred
Stock or any other Dividend Period shorter or longer than a full Dividend Period
shall be computed on the basis of 30-day months and a 360-day year. The dividend
payable to each holder of Series B Preferred Stock shall be rounded to the
nearest one cent with $.005 being rounded upward.

          (c)  So long as any shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are
outstanding, no full dividends shall be declared on the Preferred Stock of the
Corporation of any series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with the Series
B Preferred Stock for any period unless full cumulative dividends have been or
contemporaneously are declared on the Series B Preferred Stock for all Dividend
Periods terminating on or prior to the date of payment of such full cumulative
dividends.  When dividends are not declared to be paid in full, as described
above, upon the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock and any other Preferred
Stock ranking on

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
a parity as to dividends with the Series B Preferred Stock, all dividends
declared upon shares of the Series B Preferred Stock and any other Preferred
Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Series B Preferred Stock
shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share on
the Series B Preferred Stock and such other Preferred Stock shall in all cases
bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the shares
of the Series B Preferred Stock and such other Preferred Stock bear to each
other.

          (d)  So long as any shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are
outstanding, no dividend (other than dividends or distributions paid in shares
of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of,
Common Stock of the Corporation or another stock ranking junior to the Series B
Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid
or set aside for payment or other distribution declared or made upon the Common
Stock or upon any other stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Series B
Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, or upon any other stock of
the Corporation ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to
dividends except as provided in Subsection (c) of this Section 2, nor shall any
Common Stock or any other stock of the Corporation ranking junior to or on a
parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation be
redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any monies
be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares
of any such stock) by the Corporation (except by conversion into or exchange for
stock of the corporation ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to
dividends and upon liquidation) unless, in each case, the full cumulative
dividends on all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock shall have
been paid for all past Dividend Periods and any sums then or theretofore
required to be applied to a sinking fund for the Series B Preferred Stock
pursuant to Section (5)(c) shall have been applied to such sinking fund.

          (e)  Holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock shall not be
entitled to any dividends, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess
of full cumulative dividends, as herein provided, on the Series B Preferred
Stock.  No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in
respect to any dividend payment or payments on the Series B Preferred Stock
which may be in arrears.

          Section 3.  Voting Rights.  (a)  No shares of the Series B Preferred
                      -------------                                           
Stock shall have any voting rights or rights to receive notice of meetings
except as hereinafter set forth in this Section (3) or as otherwise from time to
time required by law.  Whenever, at any time, dividends payable on the Series B
Preferred Stock shall be in arrears for six or more Dividend Periods, that is,
not paid in full for six or more past Dividend Periods, whether or not
consecutive, the holders of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock
shall have the exclusive right, voting separately

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
as a class (together with the holders of shares of any one or more other series
of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the shares of Series B Preferred
Stock as to dividends or upon distribution and upon which like voting rights
have been conferred and are exercisable) to elect two directors of the
Corporation at the Corporation's next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and at each
subsequent Annual Meeting of Stockholders, each to hold office in accordance
with the By-laws (subject to the provisions hereof) until the next Annual
Meeting of stockholders and the election of his successor.  At elections for
such directors, each holder of shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be
entitled to one vote for each share held (the holders of shares of any other
series of Preferred Stock ranking on such a parity being entitled to such number
of votes, if any, for each share of stock held as may have been granted to
them).  The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast 25%
of the total votes of such separate class shall constitute a quorum of such
class and election of directors shall be by plurality vote.  The holders of
Series B Preferred Stock shall have the right to receive notice of any Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation at which they have the right to elect
such directors.  Upon the vesting of such right of the holders of shares of
Series B Preferred Stock, the maximum authorized number of members of the Board
shall automatically be increased by two and the two vacancies so created shall
be filled by a vote of the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock (either
alone or together with the holders of shares of any one or more other series of
Preferred Stock referred to above) as herein set forth.  The right of such
holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock voting separately as a class, to
elect (together with the holders of shares of any one or more other series of
Preferred Stock referred to above) members of the Board as aforesaid shall
continue until such time as all dividends accumulated on Series B Preferred
Stock shall have been paid in full, at which time such right shall terminate,
except as herein or by law expressly provided, subject to the revesting of such
right in the event of each and every subsequent default of the character above
mentioned.  Upon any termination of the right of the holders of all shares of
Preferred Stock to vote as a class for directors as herein provided, the term of
office of all directors then in office elected by such holders voting as a class
shall terminate immediately.  If the office of any director elected by such
holders voting as a class becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation,
retirement, disqualification, removal from office or otherwise, the remaining
director elected by holders of Preferred Stock voting as a class may choose a
successor who shall hold office for the unexpired term in respect of which such
vacancy occurred.  Whenever the term of office of the directors elected by
holders of Preferred Stock voting as a class shall end and the special voting
powers vested in such holders as provided in this Section (3) shall have
expired, the number of directors of the full Board shall be reduced by two, to
such number as may then be provided for in accordance with the By-laws of the
Corporation.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain
outstanding, the consent of the holders of at least two thirds of the shares of
the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting separately as a
class (together with all other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity
with the Series B Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon distribution
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) given
in person or by proxy, either by consent in writing or by vote at any special or
annual meeting called for the purpose, shall be necessary to permit, effect or
validate any one or more of the following actions:

          (i) The authorization, creation or issuance, or any increase in the
authorization or issued amount, of any class or series of stock ranking prior to
the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or the
authorization, creation or issuance of any obligation or security convertible
into or exchangeable for shares of any class or series having such preference
over the Series B Preferred Stock, or

          (ii) The amendment, alteration or repeal, whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise, of any of the provisions of the Restated Certificate
of Incorporation or of the resolutions set forth in the Certificate of Amendment
for the Series B Preferred Stock or any other series of Preferred Stock, or any
prior amendment thereto, which would materially and adversely affect the rights,
preferences, privileges or voting power of the Series B Preferred Stock or of
the holders thereof; provided, however, that any increase in the amount of
authorized Preferred Stock of the Corporation or the creation and issuance of
other series of Preferred Stock, or any increase in the amount of authorized
shares of any series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the
Series B Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be
deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers so as to require such two-thirds consent.

          (c)  So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain
outstanding, the consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of
the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting separately as a
class (together with all other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity
with the Series B Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon distribution
and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) given
in person or by proxy, either by consent in writing or by vote at any special or
annual meeting called for the purpose, shall be necessary to permit, effect or
validate the authorization or any increase in the authorization (over and above
the one million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation
authorized at the date of filing hereof) of any class or series of stock ranking
on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to payment of
dividends or the distribution of

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
assets on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or the authorization, creation
or issuance of any obligation or security convertible into or exchangeable for
shares (over and above such existing authorized shares) of any class or series
having such parity with the Series B Preferred Stock.

          The foregoing voting provisions shall not apply if, at or prior to the
time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required,
all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or
sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

          Section 4.  Liquidation Preference.  (a)  In the event of any
                      ----------------------                           
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or
involuntary, before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Corporation
(whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders of
any series or class or classes of stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the
Series B Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the
holders of the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to
receive the stated value of $100 per share plus an amount equal to all dividends
(whether or not earned or declared) accrued and unpaid thereon to the date of
final distribution to such holders; but such holders shall not be entitled to
any further payment.  If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, the assets of the Corporation, or proceeds thereof, distributable
among the holders of the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock shall be
insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid and liquidating
payment on any other Preferred Stock ranking, as to liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock, then such assets, or
the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among the holders of shares of Series
B Preferred Stock and any other such Preferred Stock ratably in accordance with
respective amounts which would be payable on such shares of Series B Preferred
Stock and any other Preferred Stock if all amounts payable thereon were paid in
full.  For the purposes of this Section (4), a consolidation or merger of the
Corporation with one or more corporations shall not be deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary.

          (b)  Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series or
class or classes of stock ranking on a parity with or prior to the Series B
Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, upon any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after payment shall
have been in full to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock as provided in
this Section (4), but not prior thereto, any other series or class or classes of
stock ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock upon liquidation shall,
subject to the respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be
entitled to receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and
the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to share
therein.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          Section 5.  Redemption.  (a)  The Series B Preferred Stock may not be
                      ----------                                               
redeemed prior to September 1, 1997.  At any time or from time to time on and
after September 1, 1997, the Corporation, at its option, may redeem shares of
the Series B Preferred Stock, as a whole or in part, together in each case with
accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, to the date fixed for redemption, at the
redemption prices set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Redemption dates                        Redemption Price
     (both dates inclusive)                       (per share)
     ----------------------                     ----------------
     <S>                                        <C> 
     September 1, 1997 through
     August 31, 1998                                $105.08
 
     September 1, 1998 through
     August 31, 1999                                $104.58
 
     September 1, 1999 through
     August 31, 2000                                $104.07
 
     September 1, 2000 through
     August 31, 2001                                $103.56
 
     September 1, 2001 through
     August 31, 2002                                $103.05
 
     September 1, 2002 through
     August 31, 2003                                $102.54
 
     September 1, 2003 through
     August 31, 2004                                $102.03
 
     September 1, 2004 through
     August 31, 2005                                $101.53
 
     September 1, 2005 through
     August 31, 2006                                $101.02
 
     September 1, 2006 through
     August 31, 2007                                $100.51
 
     September 1, 2007 and
        thereafter                                  $100.00
 </TABLE>

        (b)  As a sinking fund for the Series B Preferred Stock, the Corporation
shall, so long as any shares of the Series B Preferred Stock shall be
outstanding, redeem on September 1, 1998 and on each September 1 thereafter, at
a redemption price at the stated value of $100 per share, together with accrued
and unpaid dividends, if any, to the date fixed for redemption pursuant to such
sinking fund, fifteen thousand (15,000) shares of the Series B Preferred Stock.
However, the Corporation shall be entitled to receive a credit against the
foregoing mandatory redemption

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
obligation for the aggregate number of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock
which shall be owned by the Corporation, credited to such sinking fund and
retired and which shall have not been previously so credited.  In the event the
number of shares constituting the Series B Preferred Stock shall be increased at
any time by action of the Board of Directors pursuant to the provisions hereof,
the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed annually by
operation of such sinking fund following the date of such increase shall be
increased to 5% of the increased number of shares (adjusted to the nearest full
share).  On September 1, 2017, all shares of Series B Preferred Stock then
remaining outstanding shall be redeemed by the Corporation at a redemption price
at the stated value of $100 per share, together with accrued and unpaid
dividends, if any, to such redemption date.

        (c)  In the event the Corporation shall redeem shares of Series B
Preferred Stock, notice of such redemption shall be given by first class mail,
postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the
redemption date, to each holder of record of the shares to be redeemed, at such
holder's address as the same appears on the stock register of the Corporation at
the record date for such redemption, which record date shall be no more than 60
days prior to the date of the mailing of such notice, provided that such record
date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date
is adopted.  Each such notice shall state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the
total number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed and, if less
than all the shares held by such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such
shares to be redeemed from such holder, (iii) the redemption price, (iv) the
place or places where certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for
payment of the redemption price, and (v) that dividends on the shares to be
redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date.  Notice having been
mailed as aforesaid, from and after the redemption date (unless default shall be
made by the Corporation in making available money for the payment of the
redemption price) dividends on the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock so
called for redemption shall cease to accrue and all rights of the holders
thereof as stockholders of the Corporation (except the right to receive from the
Corporation the redemption price) shall cease, whether or not the certificate
representing such shares shall have been surrendered to the Corporation.  The
Corporation's obligation to make money available in accordance with the
preceding sentence shall be deemed fulfilled if, on or before the redemption
date, the Corporation shall deposit with a bank or trust company having a paying
office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, having a capital and
surplus of at least $50,000,000, funds necessary for such redemption, in trust,
with irrevocable instructions that such funds be applied to the redemption of
the shares of Series B Preferred Stock so called for redemption.  Any interest
accruing on such funds shall be paid to the Corporation from time to time.  Any
funds so deposited and unclaimed at the end of three years from such redemption
date shall be released or repaid to the Corporation, after which the holder or
holders of unredeemed shares of Series B Preferred Stock so called

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
for redemption shall look only to the Corporation for payment of the redemption
price.  Upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the certificates
representing any shares so called for redemption (and, if the Board of Directors
of the Corporation shall so require and the notice shall so state, such
certificates shall be properly endorsed or signed for transfer or accompanied by
stock powers therefor properly signed), such shares shall be redeemed by the
Corporation at the applicable redemption price.

        (d)  If less than all the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock
are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed may be selected by the Corporation
from outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock not previously called for
redemption by lot or pro rata (as near as may be) or by any other method
determined by the Corporation in its sole discretion to be equitable.

        (e)  In no event shall the Corporation redeem less than all the
outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock unless full cumulative dividends
have been paid or declared and set apart for payment upon all outstanding shares
of Series B Preferred Stock for all past Dividend Periods.

        (f)  All shares of Series B Preferred Stock redeemed or purchased by the
Corporation and credited against its sinking fund obligation shall be retired
and canceled and shall be restored to the status of authorized but unissued
shares of Preferred Stock, without designation as to series, and may thereafter
be issued, but not as shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

        (g)  Sums so set aside for the sinking fund for the Series B Preferred
Stock shall be applied to the redemption of shares of Series B Preferred Stock
on the applicable September 1 as provided herein.

        Section 6.  Exclusion of Other Rights.  The holders of shares of Series
                    -------------------------                                  
B Preferred Stock shall not have any rights to convert such shares into or
exchange such shares for shares of any other class or classes of capital stock
(or any other security) of the Corporation.  Unless otherwise required by law,
shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall not have any rights, including
preemptive rights, or preferences other than those specifically set forth
herein.

        3.  The resolution set forth in the preceding paragraph was duly adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on September 15, 1993.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
        4.  The total number of shares entitled to vote on the adoption of the
amendment was 20,494,184.

        5.  The number of shares voting for, voting against and abstaining from
the vote on such amendment is as follows:

                            NUMBER OF SHARES                         
   NUMBER OF SHARES          VOTING AGAINST         NUMBER OF SHARES 
 VOTING FOR AMENDMENT          AMENDMENT               ABSTAINING    

      12,498,712                384,378                  167,428


        6.  The effective date of this Certificate of Amendment is April 22,
1994.

                                             UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.



                                             By     /s/ Donald L. Correll
                                                -------------------------
                                                Donald L. Correll
                                                President and Chief Executive
                                                  Officer

DATED:  April 22, 1994

                                      -10-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 5(a)


                    LeBOEUF, LAMB, GREENE & MacRAE, L.L.P.
                        A Limited Liability Partnership
                      Including Professional Corporations
                              125 West 55th Street
                           New York, New York  10019



                                 August 7, 1995



United Water Resources Inc.
200 Old Hook Road
Harrington Park, New Jersey  07640

   Re:    Registration Statement on Form S-3, Covering 4,000,000 Shares
          of Common Stock, No Par Value, and 4,000,000 Series A Participating
          Preferred Stock Purchase Rights, To Be Issued Under Dividend
          Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
          -------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          We are acting as counsel to United Water Resources Inc. (the
"Company") in connection with the Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock
Purchase Plan (the "Plan").  This opinion is being furnished to the Company in
connection with the filing of a Registration Statement by the Company under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement"), providing for the registration of 4,000,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock, no par value (the "Stock"), and 4,000,000 Series A Participating
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights (the "Rights"), each such Right being attached
to each share of Stock, all pursuant to the Plan.

          In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Registration
Statement and originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our
satisfaction, of the Rights Agreement, dated as of July 12, 1989, as amended, by
and between the Company and First Interstate Bank of California (formerly known
as First Interstate Bank, Ltd.), as Rights Agent, together with the exhibits
thereto (the "Rights Agreement"), pursuant to
<PAGE>
 
United Water Resources Inc.
August 7, 1995
Page 2


which the Rights were created, and such instruments, certificates, records and
documents, and such matters of law, as we have deemed necessary or appropriate
for purposes of this opinion.  In such examination, we have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us
as originals, the conformity to the original documents of all documents
submitted as copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter
documents.  As to any facts material to our opinion, we have relied upon the
aforesaid Registration Statement, Rights Agreement, instruments, certificates,
records and documents.

          We have assumed without investigation that the Rights Agent had the
power and authority to execute and deliver the Rights Agreement, that such
execution and delivery were duly authorized, that the Rights Agreement
constitutes and will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Rights Agent, enforceable in accordance with its terms, that the form of
instrument used to evidence the Rights after severance from the Common Stock
would comport with the Form of Right Certificate appended as Exhibit B to the
Rights Agreement and that the terms and conditions of the Rights will continue
to be incorporated by reference into certificates representing the Common Stock.

          Upon the basis of such examination, and subject to the limitations and
qualifications contained in this opinion, we are of the opinion that, when the
Registration Statement becomes effective, and assuming that (i) it remains
continuously effective for the purpose of the offer and sale of the Stock and
the Rights, (ii) shares of the Stock are duly credited to the Plan participants
by the agent for the participants and, with respect to certificated shares of
the Stock, the certificates representing such shares in substantially the form
currently employed and incorporating the terms of the Rights by reference are
duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered, and, in each case, the
consideration therefor is received by the Company and (iii) the pertinent
provisions of the Act and such "blue-sky" and securities laws as may be
applicable have been complied with, (a) the Stock will be validly issued, fully-
paid and non-assessable under the laws of the State of New Jersey, and (b) the
Rights associated therewith will be legal and binding obligations of the Company
under the laws of the State of New Jersey.
<PAGE>
 
United Water Resources Inc.
August 7, 1995
Page 3


          We hereby consent to the use of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5(a) to
the Registration Statement, and to the use of our name in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement and in any
amendments thereof or supplements thereto.


                                    Very truly yours,


                                    /s/ LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus 
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated
February 23, 1995 appearing on page 31 of United Water Resources Inc.'s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.  We also consent to 
the references to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
New York, New York
August 4, 1995

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 24(b)


                          UNITED WATER RESOURCES INC.
                          ---------------------------


             Extract from Minutes of Meeting of Board of Directors
                          held Thursday, July 6, 1995
             -----------------------------------------------------


          The undersigned, ALLAN D. SHAKLEY, Assistant Secretary of UNITED WATER
RESOURCES INC., hereby certifies that the following is a true and correct copy
of an extract from the Minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors of UNITED
WATER RESOURCES INC. held on Thursday, July 6, 1995, at which time a quorum was
present and voting throughout:

     RESOLVED, that 4,000,000 additional shares of the Company's authorized but
               unissued Common Stock, no par value per share (the "Additional
               Common Stock"; every reference to the term Additional Common
               Stock shall include the Company's Series A Participating
               Preferred Stock Purchase Rights appertaining thereto), be and
               they hereby are reserved for issuance in connection with the
               Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the
               "Plan"); and be it further

     RESOLVED, that the officers of the Company be and they are, and each of
               them singly is, hereby authorized to cause to be prepared a
               Registration Statement of the Company on Form S-3 (or any other
               form as may be appropriate) for describing the Plan (including
               any changes from the existing Plan approved by the Chairman of
               the Board of Directors) and for the registration under the
               Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the Additional Common
               Stock; and that the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the
               President, the Secretary, the Treasurer or any Assistant
               Secretary of the Company be and they are, and each of them singly
               is, hereby authorized to execute in the name and on behalf of the
               Company such Registration Statement and such other documents or
               instruments and any amendments thereto or other documents
               pertaining thereto, and, when so executed on behalf of the
               Company, and by the proper officers of the Company and a majority
               of its directors, to file said Registration Statement with the
               Securities and Exchange Commission; and be it further
<PAGE>
 
     RESOLVED, that any and all actions by the officers of the Company, and
               each of them singly, previously taken to cause to be prepared,
               executed and filed an application with the New York Stock
               Exchange, Inc. for the listing of the Additional Common Stock on
               such Exchange are hereby ratified and approved; and that the
               Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the Secretary,
               the Treasurer, and any Assistant Secretary of the Company, and
               counsel to the Company, be and they are, and each of them singly
               is, hereby authorized to appear before officials of such Exchange
               with authority to make such additions, deletions or other changes
               in such application and to take such actions as in his discretion
               may be necessary to effect such listing; and be it further

     RESOLVED, that the Company hereby constitutes and appoints Donald L.
               Correll, E. Ellsworth McMeen III, and Allan D. Shakley, and each
               of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), its true
               and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent for it and on its behalf
               and in its name, place and stead, to sign, execute and file in
               connection with the Plan the Registration Statement and any and
               all amendments and supplements thereto and documents required in
               connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys, and each of
               them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
               act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
               premises in order to effectuate the same as fully and to all
               intents and purposes as this Company might or could do; and be it
               further

     RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the
               Secretary, the Treasurer, and any Assistant Secretary of the
               Company be and they are, and each of them singly is, hereby
               authorized to take any and all action and furnish any and all
               information which, in the judgment of the officer taking the
               action, is necessary, useful or appropriate in order to render
               eligible for offering and sale under the so-called Blue Sky or
               securities laws of any of the states of the United States of
               America the Additional Common Stock, including, but without
               limiting the foregoing, making applications for and obtaining
               permits, orders, authorizations or exemptions or effecting
               qualifications or registrations under such Blue Sky or securities
               laws whether relating to the Additional Common Stock or to the
               Company as an issuer, broker, dealer or seller of such securities
               and in that connection, executing and

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
               filing such documents, including consents to service of process
               or the appointment of agents to receive service of process, and
               making such agreements as may appear necessary, useful or
               appropriate; and be it further

     RESOLVED, that the officers of the Company be and they are, and each of
               them singly is, hereby authorized and directed, upon receipt by
               the Company of payment in full for the Additional Common Stock
               pursuant to the terms of the Plan, to cause to be issued on
               behalf of the Company, such Additional Common Stock as
               contemplated under the Plan, all shares so issued constituting
               fully paid and non-assessable shares; and be it further

     RESOLVED, that the proceeds from the sale of Additional Common Stock be
               used for general corporate purposes; and be it further

     RESOLVED, that First Interstate Bank of California, Transfer Agent for
               shares of Common Stock of the Company, is hereby authorized and
               requested to issue, countersign and deliver, in accordance with
               the order or orders of the Company evidenced by a writing or
               writings signed by the Company's Chairman of the Board of
               Directors, the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, or any
               Assistant Secretary certificates for up to 4,000,000 shares of
               the Company's Common Stock, no par value per share, to the extent
               certificates are required pursuant to the Plan; and be it further

     RESOLVED, that First Interstate Bank of California, Registrar for shares of
               Common Stock of the Company, is hereby authorized and requested
               to register and countersign certificates for the Additional
               Common Stock when issued and countersigned by the Transfer Agent;
               and be it further

     RESOLVED, that when and as certificates for the Additional Common Stock of
               the Company may hereafter be surrendered to First Interstate Bank
               of California, as Transfer Agent for the Company's Common Stock,
               properly endorsed for transfer, said Bank is hereby authorized
               and requested to issue and countersign new certificates for the
               same number of shares of Common Stock of the Company in the name
               or names of the transferee or transferees and First Interstate
               Bank of California, as Registrar for the Company's Common Stock,
               is hereby authorized and requested to register and

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
               countersign such new certificates when and as the same are issued
               by First Interstate Bank of California, as Transfer Agent; and be
               it further

     RESOLVED, that the officers of the Company be and they are, and each of
               them singly is, hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the
               Company to do all acts and things and to execute any and all
               documents that may be necessary or, in the opinion of the officer
               so acting, desirable or expedient in connection with the issue
               and sale of Additional Common Stock and to employ such counsel,
               financial advisors and assistants as may be deemed necessary or
               expedient by them, or any of them, to accomplish the purposes of
               these resolutions; and be it further

     RESOLVED, that if the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall determine
               that the Plan should cover not only authorized and unissued
               shares of the Company's Common Stock but also shares purchased on
               the open market for Plan participants, the term "Additional
               Common Stock" used in the foregoing resolutions shall, to the
               extent necessary for the full and proper authorization of such
               Plan feature, include shares that are so purchased on the open
               market, and First Interstate Bank of California (or another
               entity selected by or acceptable to said Chairman) shall be
               authorized to act in connection with said purchase of open-market
               shares of the Company's Common Stock; and be it further

     RESOLVED, that the officers of the Company be and they are, and each of
               them singly is, hereby authorized and directed to do and perform
               all such acts and things and to sign all such documents and to
               take all such other steps as may be necessary, advisable or
               convenient and proper to carry out the intent of the foregoing
               resolutions.

     WITNESS, my hand and the seal of the company this 17th day of July 1995.

                                            /s/ Allan D. Shakley
                                        ----------------------------
                                             Assistant Secretary

                                      -4-


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