<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2023 Workiva-->
<!--r:7e47c89e-4a2c-4658-af91-fffd922ccd65,g:3b632a1e-c396-4488-81d4-8a0af5ac898c-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquity"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" id="i658b52844d2a4a75ae8e86967f401945_ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_71779f32-d0d1-4b17-814c-b16978434f81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_71779f32-d0d1-4b17-814c-b16978434f81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_3addb4dd-1242-456f-9c57-1fd27ca670f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_3addb4dd-1242-456f-9c57-1fd27ca670f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1dcbbf5b-341a-4b33-9690-7ede37b904af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1dcbbf5b-341a-4b33-9690-7ede37b904af" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_85e7d10c-274d-41d8-ab46-509e9e716b81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_85e7d10c-274d-41d8-ab46-509e9e716b81" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_15147924-5e67-4e50-b540-3918d7fe6e8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_15147924-5e67-4e50-b540-3918d7fe6e8b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_3099e2fb-b72f-44a7-a3b1-873a395376b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_3099e2fb-b72f-44a7-a3b1-873a395376b3" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_1a5c8b72-7bc2-4ac8-82b3-cfd9e1bc569c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_1a5c8b72-7bc2-4ac8-82b3-cfd9e1bc569c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_ee514def-9872-4ebb-82be-92d3a249a29c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_ee514def-9872-4ebb-82be-92d3a249a29c" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_06f9cef1-d477-4d95-912d-98193e648033" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_06f9cef1-d477-4d95-912d-98193e648033" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_ad25aeb2-fd1b-4413-8a4c-9c387aca75ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_ad25aeb2-fd1b-4413-8a4c-9c387aca75ba" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_d03d2ecd-1389-4648-9f5b-b37bce170987" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_d03d2ecd-1389-4648-9f5b-b37bce170987" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_61aa9d2d-12cb-4fa5-ab3e-3081a5637192" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_61aa9d2d-12cb-4fa5-ab3e-3081a5637192" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_8b794b31-281d-4cf5-92c1-612c456107ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_8b794b31-281d-4cf5-92c1-612c456107ef" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_6f6f192e-2ae5-47b1-a785-a93bc7c1a6fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Dividends"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_55e53f11-1d08-482e-9296-fcb3aca85d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_6f6f192e-2ae5-47b1-a785-a93bc7c1a6fa" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_4ceeebf1-0d83-43bc-9187-5af891af91bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_cdff14db-415b-42b0-b5c1-481dfcc6e307" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_403f216b-7e7f-4d36-8b48-72240987fe23" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_71779f32-d0d1-4b17-814c-b16978434f81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_403f216b-7e7f-4d36-8b48-72240987fe23" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1659ea1c-08dc-4099-8e8f-c7f4660429e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_403f216b-7e7f-4d36-8b48-72240987fe23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1659ea1c-08dc-4099-8e8f-c7f4660429e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1659ea1c-08dc-4099-8e8f-c7f4660429e2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1659ea1c-08dc-4099-8e8f-c7f4660429e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1659ea1c-08dc-4099-8e8f-c7f4660429e2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b5a01076-9008-4849-b95e-a9f2df39e1b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1659ea1c-08dc-4099-8e8f-c7f4660429e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b5a01076-9008-4849-b95e-a9f2df39e1b8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_28834638-f2a8-4193-8215-b2c7de0a5aff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b5a01076-9008-4849-b95e-a9f2df39e1b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_28834638-f2a8-4193-8215-b2c7de0a5aff" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_91990655-2c6e-4279-89ca-ea4e08496629" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b5a01076-9008-4849-b95e-a9f2df39e1b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_91990655-2c6e-4279-89ca-ea4e08496629" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_a4132fd5-41c8-4e51-be38-ea9aa6890f6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b5a01076-9008-4849-b95e-a9f2df39e1b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_a4132fd5-41c8-4e51-be38-ea9aa6890f6c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6a1d2239-9d1f-483b-b0a8-727f5552f11f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_b5a01076-9008-4849-b95e-a9f2df39e1b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6a1d2239-9d1f-483b-b0a8-727f5552f11f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/OrganizationandOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#OrganizationandOperationsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/OrganizationandOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i19277bbf9d4e49ac96f04450a756eb0a_OrganizationandOperationsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_e70b0ed1-3be0-4148-b485-bbf033f3efd5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_VariableInterestEntitiesNumberOfEntities_7162b241-91aa-4ee4-801e-f15ef1d17bf1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_VariableInterestEntitiesNumberOfEntities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_e70b0ed1-3be0-4148-b485-bbf033f3efd5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_VariableInterestEntitiesNumberOfEntities_7162b241-91aa-4ee4-801e-f15ef1d17bf1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryNumberOfSubsidiaries_13625b27-c28c-480c-83df-77e29c7ed104" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryNumberOfSubsidiaries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_e70b0ed1-3be0-4148-b485-bbf033f3efd5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryNumberOfSubsidiaries_13625b27-c28c-480c-83df-77e29c7ed104" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_6ff98376-82fa-4405-a923-6361c03f566f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_e70b0ed1-3be0-4148-b485-bbf033f3efd5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_6ff98376-82fa-4405-a923-6361c03f566f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_38a5afdf-3cfc-4bb7-ab44-dabe0ee6e47b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_e70b0ed1-3be0-4148-b485-bbf033f3efd5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_38a5afdf-3cfc-4bb7-ab44-dabe0ee6e47b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ffbca9ea-be4d-44ce-a336-17c2f056074d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_38a5afdf-3cfc-4bb7-ab44-dabe0ee6e47b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ffbca9ea-be4d-44ce-a336-17c2f056074d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ffbca9ea-be4d-44ce-a336-17c2f056074d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ffbca9ea-be4d-44ce-a336-17c2f056074d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ffbca9ea-be4d-44ce-a336-17c2f056074d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_a94d172f-7f95-4103-8b7d-ad3b29d07ca2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ffbca9ea-be4d-44ce-a336-17c2f056074d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_a94d172f-7f95-4103-8b7d-ad3b29d07ca2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_1819928c-4907-4888-9d4e-ddc6a8e773b1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_a94d172f-7f95-4103-8b7d-ad3b29d07ca2" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_1819928c-4907-4888-9d4e-ddc6a8e773b1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_70396f55-a7cf-4c04-bf48-d130942a658c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_a94d172f-7f95-4103-8b7d-ad3b29d07ca2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_70396f55-a7cf-4c04-bf48-d130942a658c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantandEquipmentandIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantandEquipmentandIntangibleAssetsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantandEquipmentandIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ic4da08c6b39d48bdb483b04e71ba487d_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantandEquipmentandIntangibleAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_9d99051b-ef55-4337-80aa-73c27a99c6c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_9d99051b-ef55-4337-80aa-73c27a99c6c1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipment_44dcc06f-fa5c-4d77-902f-43568b17b539" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_9d99051b-ef55-4337-80aa-73c27a99c6c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipment_44dcc06f-fa5c-4d77-902f-43568b17b539" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistribution_ed4d1e3d-3545-45a7-8ac1-766f0950258d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistribution"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_9d99051b-ef55-4337-80aa-73c27a99c6c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistribution_ed4d1e3d-3545-45a7-8ac1-766f0950258d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_f6cc01d5-ba16-42d0-924b-6016ffaaad75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_9d99051b-ef55-4337-80aa-73c27a99c6c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_f6cc01d5-ba16-42d0-924b-6016ffaaad75" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDepreciablePlantAndEquipment_5ad8e0ea-5f1e-486c-a85d-393f41251e68" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDepreciablePlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_9d99051b-ef55-4337-80aa-73c27a99c6c1" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDepreciablePlantAndEquipment_5ad8e0ea-5f1e-486c-a85d-393f41251e68" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_EstimatedUsefulLivesOfPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_cebda4ee-7299-4bcb-ad24-d3d53a5a7e0a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_EstimatedUsefulLivesOfPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_EstimatedUsefulLivesOfPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_cebda4ee-7299-4bcb-ad24-d3d53a5a7e0a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipmentUsefulLife_396058b4-d333-4bbb-8d91-49b4fbebada1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipmentUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_EstimatedUsefulLivesOfPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_cebda4ee-7299-4bcb-ad24-d3d53a5a7e0a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentEquipmentUsefulLife_396058b4-d333-4bbb-8d91-49b4fbebada1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistributionUsefulLife_d28cd8df-30f8-4363-b4d3-910218e5ad3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistributionUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_EstimatedUsefulLivesOfPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_cebda4ee-7299-4bcb-ad24-d3d53a5a7e0a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistributionUsefulLife_d28cd8df-30f8-4363-b4d3-910218e5ad3d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_240d6652-cf26-46be-adbe-b0106fcb4a5d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_EstimatedUsefulLivesOfPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_cebda4ee-7299-4bcb-ad24-d3d53a5a7e0a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_240d6652-cf26-46be-adbe-b0106fcb4a5d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureOfCompositeDepreciationRateForPlantsInService_92499711-df9b-4da1-9e5a-6b956a8c507b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureOfCompositeDepreciationRateForPlantsInService"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureOfCompositeDepreciationRateForPlantsInService_92499711-df9b-4da1-9e5a-6b956a8c507b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_02c74ad5-3ecb-4f8e-8596-a852d879b974" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_02c74ad5-3ecb-4f8e-8596-a852d879b974" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized_c3a40f5c-53d7-4850-bb73-31527f42d652" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized_c3a40f5c-53d7-4850-bb73-31527f42d652" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_EquityFundsCapitalized_0b9544dc-e8c5-4926-90e2-f620ff35cf55" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_EquityFundsCapitalized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_EquityFundsCapitalized_0b9544dc-e8c5-4926-90e2-f620ff35cf55" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_4f7cba60-c325-4d37-98fb-a1b93ef7f3be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_4f7cba60-c325-4d37-98fb-a1b93ef7f3be" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_895bfe2d-0816-4973-8026-f97cbb149342" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_498262db-a873-44cd-a22e-a18a3327ed6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_895bfe2d-0816-4973-8026-f97cbb149342" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cb4ed32f-8cc4-49ca-be36-c2874397ee26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_895bfe2d-0816-4973-8026-f97cbb149342" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cb4ed32f-8cc4-49ca-be36-c2874397ee26" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_cb4ed32f-8cc4-49ca-be36-c2874397ee26_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cb4ed32f-8cc4-49ca-be36-c2874397ee26" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_cb4ed32f-8cc4-49ca-be36-c2874397ee26_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_87527e7b-8310-44bb-9e56-7fa0e9b9c5b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_cb4ed32f-8cc4-49ca-be36-c2874397ee26" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_87527e7b-8310-44bb-9e56-7fa0e9b9c5b6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_26a7951c-1d2c-4a7e-84d1-ebe2dd770afd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_87527e7b-8310-44bb-9e56-7fa0e9b9c5b6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_26a7951c-1d2c-4a7e-84d1-ebe2dd770afd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_07441d66-a28d-495d-bc27-729d784cccc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_87527e7b-8310-44bb-9e56-7fa0e9b9c5b6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_07441d66-a28d-495d-bc27-729d784cccc9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3f7e735b-ab10-4232-b487-3f7554be6ea9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_895bfe2d-0816-4973-8026-f97cbb149342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3f7e735b-ab10-4232-b487-3f7554be6ea9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_3f7e735b-ab10-4232-b487-3f7554be6ea9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3f7e735b-ab10-4232-b487-3f7554be6ea9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_3f7e735b-ab10-4232-b487-3f7554be6ea9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_92d91445-9642-4a41-b929-91d993d03b6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis_3f7e735b-ab10-4232-b487-3f7554be6ea9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_92d91445-9642-4a41-b929-91d993d03b6e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WaterPlantMember_83a7019d-3556-4e41-8ba8-aa1c8e1ad5f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WaterPlantMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilityPlantDomain_92d91445-9642-4a41-b929-91d993d03b6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WaterPlantMember_83a7019d-3556-4e41-8ba8-aa1c8e1ad5f6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRealEstateInvestmentsandNonutilityPropertiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRealEstateInvestmentsandNonutilityPropertiesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRealEstateInvestmentsandNonutilityPropertiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="icb94e3701c294f9b932d2abe54ef60de_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRealEstateInvestmentsandNonutilityPropertiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_c4a93fc9-d8ae-4f20-acfb-c5f3a8cebc8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_c4a93fc9-d8ae-4f20-acfb-c5f3a8cebc8d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Land_9e8fa452-c5dc-4c0f-ba7d-2d84162c6fbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Land"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_c4a93fc9-d8ae-4f20-acfb-c5f3a8cebc8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Land_9e8fa452-c5dc-4c0f-ba7d-2d84162c6fbf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements_349dd3d8-7095-427a-b025-6f24bfd15fea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_c4a93fc9-d8ae-4f20-acfb-c5f3a8cebc8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements_349dd3d8-7095-427a-b025-6f24bfd15fea" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_1c01709d-e9f8-48ff-b18b-943c63591b05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_c4a93fc9-d8ae-4f20-acfb-c5f3a8cebc8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_1c01709d-e9f8-48ff-b18b-943c63591b05" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLifeUsedForDepreciation1_82c1af5a-924a-499d-993d-8002b158556b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLifeUsedForDepreciation1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLifeUsedForDepreciation1_82c1af5a-924a-499d-993d-8002b158556b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_NumberOfPropertiesSold_ffca2db5-7e7a-482f-93ee-113cefa3546d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_NumberOfPropertiesSold"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_NumberOfPropertiesSold_ffca2db5-7e7a-482f-93ee-113cefa3546d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_f05e9a25-31bd-42ea-b8b9-f8dad47a5cb8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_f05e9a25-31bd-42ea-b8b9-f8dad47a5cb8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_b1524e62-80b2-4c9e-96d1-eaadc6c3c2e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_b1524e62-80b2-4c9e-96d1-eaadc6c3c2e1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PropertiesSellingExpenses_54f0466a-bfff-4271-b6ad-af91bd65bc00" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PropertiesSellingExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PropertiesSellingExpenses_54f0466a-bfff-4271-b6ad-af91bd65bc00" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DeferredGainsLossesOnSalesOfProperties_bb7e0a96-7fa1-47ce-9e9a-2e3ee9ae7191" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DeferredGainsLossesOnSalesOfProperties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DeferredGainsLossesOnSalesOfProperties_bb7e0a96-7fa1-47ce-9e9a-2e3ee9ae7191" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SalesAgreementHoldbackAmount_1af93518-0783-4251-8c41-9cc3599b6617" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SalesAgreementHoldbackAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SalesAgreementHoldbackAmount_1af93518-0783-4251-8c41-9cc3599b6617" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLandHeldforinvestment_01dbe76c-890a-4edd-b193-b0d20ae56628" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLandHeldforinvestment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLandHeldforinvestment_01dbe76c-890a-4edd-b193-b0d20ae56628" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_4ada3998-5258-4da4-98f5-8784e0908bb7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_4ada3998-5258-4da4-98f5-8784e0908bb7" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RealEstateSellingExpenses_ca490932-b1f6-4fd8-8d7c-7d45339bece1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RealEstateSellingExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RealEstateSellingExpenses_ca490932-b1f6-4fd8-8d7c-7d45339bece1" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_AssetsLeasedOrAvailableForLeaseAbstract_8e28c33b-804a-4a56-a7a8-8dda9debd83b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_AssetsLeasedOrAvailableForLeaseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_AssetsLeasedOrAvailableForLeaseAbstract_8e28c33b-804a-4a56-a7a8-8dda9debd83b" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseNet_ab045af8-f5ef-4802-a48f-288337592733" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_AssetsLeasedOrAvailableForLeaseAbstract_8e28c33b-804a-4a56-a7a8-8dda9debd83b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseNet_ab045af8-f5ef-4802-a48f-288337592733" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_AssetsLeasedOrAvailableForLeaseAbstract_8e28c33b-804a-4a56-a7a8-8dda9debd83b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedNextTwelveMonths_28aedc61-075a-4aa8-87d0-74fc15c21715" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedNextTwelveMonths_28aedc61-075a-4aa8-87d0-74fc15c21715" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedTwoYears_29aa5299-c9a2-488f-b7b6-ae71e7367605" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedTwoYears"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedTwoYears_29aa5299-c9a2-488f-b7b6-ae71e7367605" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThreeYears_9ccc91eb-7a9b-4ba9-b623-3931cb5d2694" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThreeYears"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThreeYears_9ccc91eb-7a9b-4ba9-b623-3931cb5d2694" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears_386f5529-4ec4-4e86-b987-98a0bdabc4ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFourYears_386f5529-4ec4-4e86-b987-98a0bdabc4ba" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_7e3e83d0-3433-4d3f-b938-9082d7c4f7db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedFiveYears_7e3e83d0-3433-4d3f-b938-9082d7c4f7db" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter_eaf463c8-a2fd-41bb-9a5b-d57afcea4448" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsFiscalYearMaturityAbstract_7b277cc1-6981-4199-b3ec-52c86af4104e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedThereafter_eaf463c8-a2fd-41bb-9a5b-d57afcea4448" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_1f6e27fd-2ace-4e66-aead-5438e1f49fbb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_98e335c0-ed29-4d4e-a8aa-9481474a4f33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_1f6e27fd-2ace-4e66-aead-5438e1f49fbb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_aa24f9d5-63b7-461b-98e2-20dae1970910" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_1f6e27fd-2ace-4e66-aead-5438e1f49fbb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_aa24f9d5-63b7-461b-98e2-20dae1970910" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_aa24f9d5-63b7-461b-98e2-20dae1970910_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_aa24f9d5-63b7-461b-98e2-20dae1970910" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_aa24f9d5-63b7-461b-98e2-20dae1970910_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4c2ec773-0904-4ba1-805d-4e508513f6ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_aa24f9d5-63b7-461b-98e2-20dae1970910" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4c2ec773-0904-4ba1-805d-4e508513f6ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_ce02786b-64b1-4396-875f-4bf5e5aa8023" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4c2ec773-0904-4ba1-805d-4e508513f6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_ce02786b-64b1-4396-875f-4bf5e5aa8023" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandAndBuildingMember_396ad086-70a5-47e7-ab84-824ce32fa01f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LandAndBuildingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4c2ec773-0904-4ba1-805d-4e508513f6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandAndBuildingMember_396ad086-70a5-47e7-ab84-824ce32fa01f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4c2a2713-dbf0-48fd-b004-9fbf0c9dda5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_1f6e27fd-2ace-4e66-aead-5438e1f49fbb" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4c2a2713-dbf0-48fd-b004-9fbf0c9dda5c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4c2a2713-dbf0-48fd-b004-9fbf0c9dda5c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4c2a2713-dbf0-48fd-b004-9fbf0c9dda5c" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4c2a2713-dbf0-48fd-b004-9fbf0c9dda5c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4ac5633d-3b11-4ba9-847f-3535ea580d76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4c2a2713-dbf0-48fd-b004-9fbf0c9dda5c" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4ac5633d-3b11-4ba9-847f-3535ea580d76" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_00722cd8-a397-47b1-924f-6c6e0fd61209" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4ac5633d-3b11-4ba9-847f-3535ea580d76" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_00722cd8-a397-47b1-924f-6c6e0fd61209" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_9dd1fbc1-ecd3-47ba-8d40-dbd7624d0b3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4ac5633d-3b11-4ba9-847f-3535ea580d76" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_9dd1fbc1-ecd3-47ba-8d40-dbd7624d0b3d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_64cf3034-9430-42e7-84f2-954100e48aaa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_1f6e27fd-2ace-4e66-aead-5438e1f49fbb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_64cf3034-9430-42e7-84f2-954100e48aaa" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_64cf3034-9430-42e7-84f2-954100e48aaa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_64cf3034-9430-42e7-84f2-954100e48aaa" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_64cf3034-9430-42e7-84f2-954100e48aaa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_394dc03c-13f0-4f7c-98a8-2c32479911a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_64cf3034-9430-42e7-84f2-954100e48aaa" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_394dc03c-13f0-4f7c-98a8-2c32479911a5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_8fdc8037-da4f-421d-a92b-5047ff31b5e1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_394dc03c-13f0-4f7c-98a8-2c32479911a5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_8fdc8037-da4f-421d-a92b-5047ff31b5e1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashandCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashandCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashandCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3b5cfc58feea4672a33822121d9a0b8d_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashandCashEquivalentsandRestrictedCashDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_2a95f559-5599-467b-9993-47e061daea37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_bb89af07-71bb-4e70-b850-29581b4c3582" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_2a95f559-5599-467b-9993-47e061daea37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_bb89af07-71bb-4e70-b850-29581b4c3582" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Cash_448bcb60-6ff7-4e54-88b3-08475feb061e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Cash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_2a95f559-5599-467b-9993-47e061daea37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Cash_448bcb60-6ff7-4e54-88b3-08475feb061e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_57ea6606-93bf-4549-8678-86ba603b7fb0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_2a95f559-5599-467b-9993-47e061daea37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_57ea6606-93bf-4549-8678-86ba603b7fb0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_d36a5112-671b-4f76-806b-09a98c3dc2ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_2a95f559-5599-467b-9993-47e061daea37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_d36a5112-671b-4f76-806b-09a98c3dc2ab" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_878fe192-f8d4-48f7-bfb4-3a34fdfb45df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_d36a5112-671b-4f76-806b-09a98c3dc2ab" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_878fe192-f8d4-48f7-bfb4-3a34fdfb45df" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_878fe192-f8d4-48f7-bfb4-3a34fdfb45df_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_878fe192-f8d4-48f7-bfb4-3a34fdfb45df" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_878fe192-f8d4-48f7-bfb4-3a34fdfb45df_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_eecb28a1-ebd7-4270-a5ec-6ab0172b51bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_878fe192-f8d4-48f7-bfb4-3a34fdfb45df" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_eecb28a1-ebd7-4270-a5ec-6ab0172b51bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember_01bea146-e9a9-4574-96e7-c83e164e27e3" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_eecb28a1-ebd7-4270-a5ec-6ab0172b51bc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember_01bea146-e9a9-4574-96e7-c83e164e27e3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_aee88b2e-011d-4606-a80a-7db008f3ed32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_d36a5112-671b-4f76-806b-09a98c3dc2ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_aee88b2e-011d-4606-a80a-7db008f3ed32" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_aee88b2e-011d-4606-a80a-7db008f3ed32_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_aee88b2e-011d-4606-a80a-7db008f3ed32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_aee88b2e-011d-4606-a80a-7db008f3ed32_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3d6ff731-876e-4097-a66b-68d89b366964" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_aee88b2e-011d-4606-a80a-7db008f3ed32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3d6ff731-876e-4097-a66b-68d89b366964" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_StateRevolvingFundLoansSeriesTMember_0e56efdf-1101-4efc-8487-ce52bb381500" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_StateRevolvingFundLoansSeriesTMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3d6ff731-876e-4097-a66b-68d89b366964" xlink:to="loc_sjw_StateRevolvingFundLoansSeriesTMember_0e56efdf-1101-4efc-8487-ce52bb381500" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_15b28425-74cd-456a-b643-bf127d972577" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_d36a5112-671b-4f76-806b-09a98c3dc2ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_15b28425-74cd-456a-b643-bf127d972577" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_15b28425-74cd-456a-b643-bf127d972577_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_15b28425-74cd-456a-b643-bf127d972577" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_15b28425-74cd-456a-b643-bf127d972577_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_fb3339e2-30d8-49d4-89d7-9ec46074eb69" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_15b28425-74cd-456a-b643-bf127d972577" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_fb3339e2-30d8-49d4-89d7-9ec46074eb69" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_4b8e788c-b77c-412e-a41b-1b76f4e88f36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_fb3339e2-30d8-49d4-89d7-9ec46074eb69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_4b8e788c-b77c-412e-a41b-1b76f4e88f36" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i0ef342cf874747a38b7ffa79c22eeac0_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountIncreaseDecrease_2da95a54-307a-49bc-b48e-611c490cbb57" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountIncreaseDecrease_2da95a54-307a-49bc-b48e-611c490cbb57" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRefundsCollections_609596b1-6514-4e55-b675-4e5b13aad94a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRefundsCollections"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRefundsCollections_609596b1-6514-4e55-b675-4e5b13aad94a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_475caa9b-b48d-4f74-85d4-681b580eebae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_475caa9b-b48d-4f74-85d4-681b580eebae" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_AlternativeRevenueProgramsNet_c4767c48-0b81-411c-a9ed-394778ff4ca9" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_AlternativeRevenueProgramsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_AlternativeRevenueProgramsNet_c4767c48-0b81-411c-a9ed-394778ff4ca9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RegulatoryBalancingandMemorandumAccountsRevenueNet_cdfb31e1-0ab9-4a13-a590-3bd555b37485" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RegulatoryBalancingandMemorandumAccountsRevenueNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RegulatoryBalancingandMemorandumAccountsRevenueNet_cdfb31e1-0ab9-4a13-a590-3bd555b37485" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RegulatoryMechanismsOtherNet_b2d084a9-f0fb-4155-8951-25a62c0c7237" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RegulatoryMechanismsOtherNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RegulatoryMechanismsOtherNet_b2d084a9-f0fb-4155-8951-25a62c0c7237" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome_b618d665-4354-4af0-a47f-3f06f82752af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome_b618d665-4354-4af0-a47f-3f06f82752af" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1f2414e0-2699-48be-968d-ec62a7b883db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1f2414e0-2699-48be-968d-ec62a7b883db" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RegulatedOperatingRevenueWaterSurcharge_26d3b0eb-fe8e-4e5c-8623-643769a2963e" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RegulatedOperatingRevenueWaterSurcharge"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RegulatedOperatingRevenueWaterSurcharge_26d3b0eb-fe8e-4e5c-8623-643769a2963e" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_c6e51745-884c-40a6-b9e1-37278c0b3935" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_b0fc0d66-eb9c-4637-8457-a4949fd8c47e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_c6e51745-884c-40a6-b9e1-37278c0b3935" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_d9f906bc-2d2d-466d-982a-f64f8f7b24a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_c6e51745-884c-40a6-b9e1-37278c0b3935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_d9f906bc-2d2d-466d-982a-f64f8f7b24a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_d9f906bc-2d2d-466d-982a-f64f8f7b24a9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_d9f906bc-2d2d-466d-982a-f64f8f7b24a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_d9f906bc-2d2d-466d-982a-f64f8f7b24a9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_e3d175eb-6c72-4105-9f05-5d88be7c48cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_d9f906bc-2d2d-466d-982a-f64f8f7b24a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_e3d175eb-6c72-4105-9f05-5d88be7c48cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_A20142017WCMAMember_c3c28e9e-4cc5-4be0-89b4-a31e5c0fa41c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_A20142017WCMAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_e3d175eb-6c72-4105-9f05-5d88be7c48cd" xlink:to="loc_sjw_A20142017WCMAMember_c3c28e9e-4cc5-4be0-89b4-a31e5c0fa41c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_70bf6b33-45d4-49a9-b3ad-86da83406275" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_c6e51745-884c-40a6-b9e1-37278c0b3935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_70bf6b33-45d4-49a9-b3ad-86da83406275" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_70bf6b33-45d4-49a9-b3ad-86da83406275_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_70bf6b33-45d4-49a9-b3ad-86da83406275" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_70bf6b33-45d4-49a9-b3ad-86da83406275_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_b7672c3a-22be-4113-82ab-c5c75372949f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_70bf6b33-45d4-49a9-b3ad-86da83406275" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_b7672c3a-22be-4113-82ab-c5c75372949f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_AdviceLetterNo582Member_167b9643-5b33-4aee-a922-fd383352752d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_AdviceLetterNo582Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_b7672c3a-22be-4113-82ab-c5c75372949f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_AdviceLetterNo582Member_167b9643-5b33-4aee-a922-fd383352752d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a7e7d46b-fcaf-4c1c-8e49-e6f93854c1bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_c6e51745-884c-40a6-b9e1-37278c0b3935" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a7e7d46b-fcaf-4c1c-8e49-e6f93854c1bd" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_a7e7d46b-fcaf-4c1c-8e49-e6f93854c1bd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a7e7d46b-fcaf-4c1c-8e49-e6f93854c1bd" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_a7e7d46b-fcaf-4c1c-8e49-e6f93854c1bd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1c3c1261-7a6f-4b7c-b61d-29386a66cdff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a7e7d46b-fcaf-4c1c-8e49-e6f93854c1bd" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1c3c1261-7a6f-4b7c-b61d-29386a66cdff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_9022d5ac-fa7c-40cc-bf11-aabd5409bfc4" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1c3c1261-7a6f-4b7c-b61d-29386a66cdff" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_9022d5ac-fa7c-40cc-bf11-aabd5409bfc4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsperShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsperShareDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsperShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i601375652299448d9d8bdb408caec1d2_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsperShareDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_a2c76636-c7fa-4d84-9254-746750c09094" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_3f94edfe-06ce-4ee3-ac41-8e30443d3254" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_a2c76636-c7fa-4d84-9254-746750c09094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_3f94edfe-06ce-4ee3-ac41-8e30443d3254" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_fd932921-8612-4106-a928-9b5424372efc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_a2c76636-c7fa-4d84-9254-746750c09094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_fd932921-8612-4106-a928-9b5424372efc" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ce6c0bfd-48d3-44cc-a8d6-08ea3fc1180e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_fd932921-8612-4106-a928-9b5424372efc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ce6c0bfd-48d3-44cc-a8d6-08ea3fc1180e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ce6c0bfd-48d3-44cc-a8d6-08ea3fc1180e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ce6c0bfd-48d3-44cc-a8d6-08ea3fc1180e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ce6c0bfd-48d3-44cc-a8d6-08ea3fc1180e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b1d57324-ffe6-4d33-af1b-b75bfbe145d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ce6c0bfd-48d3-44cc-a8d6-08ea3fc1180e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b1d57324-ffe6-4d33-af1b-b75bfbe145d4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_e4d0a570-e55a-4a76-b493-86f5d5108230" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b1d57324-ffe6-4d33-af1b-b75bfbe145d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_e4d0a570-e55a-4a76-b493-86f5d5108230" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersRegulatoryAssetsNetDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#RegulatoryMattersRegulatoryAssetsNetDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersRegulatoryAssetsNetDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="id145b9bbce0442acb68393dc33a29e58_RegulatoryMattersRegulatoryAssetsNetDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_f0fac793-f9ed-4d82-acd0-2236c4f441a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RemainingAmountsOfRegulatoryAssetsForWhichNoReturnOnInvestmentDuringRecoveryPeriodIsProvided_475a90e0-863e-4e59-8f21-e1025a20ac3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RemainingAmountsOfRegulatoryAssetsForWhichNoReturnOnInvestmentDuringRecoveryPeriodIsProvided"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_f0fac793-f9ed-4d82-acd0-2236c4f441a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RemainingAmountsOfRegulatoryAssetsForWhichNoReturnOnInvestmentDuringRecoveryPeriodIsProvided_475a90e0-863e-4e59-8f21-e1025a20ac3d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssets_926f5462-d294-4e67-a01f-4cf659b19294" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_f0fac793-f9ed-4d82-acd0-2236c4f441a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssets_926f5462-d294-4e67-a01f-4cf659b19294" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_6fc551d9-4255-4b82-8af2-e632b04aafe5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_f0fac793-f9ed-4d82-acd0-2236c4f441a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_6fc551d9-4255-4b82-8af2-e632b04aafe5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_372e7168-37d7-461c-a222-2d70b37fd970" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_f0fac793-f9ed-4d82-acd0-2236c4f441a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_372e7168-37d7-461c-a222-2d70b37fd970" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCommonUsefulLife_6947625f-f552-4e3b-9205-7621c9a5ff6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCommonUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_f0fac793-f9ed-4d82-acd0-2236c4f441a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCommonUsefulLife_6947625f-f552-4e3b-9205-7621c9a5ff6a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_68db8f56-5556-4f43-98a1-5822328bfe2b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetLineItems_f0fac793-f9ed-4d82-acd0-2236c4f441a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_68db8f56-5556-4f43-98a1-5822328bfe2b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_72b57a0a-e2ff-49d7-90d8-175c874e04ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_68db8f56-5556-4f43-98a1-5822328bfe2b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_72b57a0a-e2ff-49d7-90d8-175c874e04ac" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_72b57a0a-e2ff-49d7-90d8-175c874e04ac_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_72b57a0a-e2ff-49d7-90d8-175c874e04ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_72b57a0a-e2ff-49d7-90d8-175c874e04ac_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_72b57a0a-e2ff-49d7-90d8-175c874e04ac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_8c951ea8-2435-414f-8836-22fc6d60702b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_8c951ea8-2435-414f-8836-22fc6d60702b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PostretirementPensionsAndOtherMedicalBenefitsMember_09a2bff9-364d-4fed-b12a-3268bf42b9da" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PostretirementPensionsAndOtherMedicalBenefitsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PostretirementPensionsAndOtherMedicalBenefitsMember_09a2bff9-364d-4fed-b12a-3268bf42b9da" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationsDebtPremiumMember_002f1f32-cadd-45e7-9fb1-c16ea24ad0b0" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationsDebtPremiumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationsDebtPremiumMember_002f1f32-cadd-45e7-9fb1-c16ea24ad0b0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountsMember_0aad7020-7f01-4575-b142-866cf5bf5709" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountsMember_0aad7020-7f01-4575-b142-866cf5bf5709" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_WRAMember_b1d0482a-806f-419d-95c9-d14de55b834e" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_WRAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:to="loc_sjw_WRAMember_b1d0482a-806f-419d-95c9-d14de55b834e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember_266a62d3-ace1-44af-9700-185a8684eafc" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_c64f2e81-40f2-40dd-819a-6d1444fceb29" xlink:to="loc_sjw_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember_266a62d3-ace1-44af-9700-185a8684eafc" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e1bf8c7b-64b1-4b3d-8879-d40f53fb2ea0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsTable_68db8f56-5556-4f43-98a1-5822328bfe2b" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e1bf8c7b-64b1-4b3d-8879-d40f53fb2ea0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_e1bf8c7b-64b1-4b3d-8879-d40f53fb2ea0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e1bf8c7b-64b1-4b3d-8879-d40f53fb2ea0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_e1bf8c7b-64b1-4b3d-8879-d40f53fb2ea0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_83de13ff-b82f-4790-94e4-60784a4c1efc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e1bf8c7b-64b1-4b3d-8879-d40f53fb2ea0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_83de13ff-b82f-4790-94e4-60784a4c1efc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6086a290-72e7-4c04-8c00-9e946931b6d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_83de13ff-b82f-4790-94e4-60784a4c1efc" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6086a290-72e7-4c04-8c00-9e946931b6d7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_824a847e-0a15-4b0a-9ee8-208bbdeabd65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_83de13ff-b82f-4790-94e4-60784a4c1efc" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_824a847e-0a15-4b0a-9ee8-208bbdeabd65" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersPublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#RegulatoryMattersPublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/RegulatoryMattersPublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2a6233dfbbf144a1962de42900edd890_RegulatoryMattersPublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_bc8e451e-eb88-4230-879f-8fae56648c54" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRollForward_1c463566-81a8-4461-a4ea-830796d28e1a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_bc8e451e-eb88-4230-879f-8fae56648c54" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRollForward_1c463566-81a8-4461-a4ea-830796d28e1a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountNet_0965b8b2-42e5-489a-b3d4-ed16cd8fa138" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRollForward_1c463566-81a8-4461-a4ea-830796d28e1a" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountNet_0965b8b2-42e5-489a-b3d4-ed16cd8fa138" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountIncreaseDecrease_c3afb367-c473-469c-b022-dd54b60f8c6c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRollForward_1c463566-81a8-4461-a4ea-830796d28e1a" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountIncreaseDecrease_c3afb367-c473-469c-b022-dd54b60f8c6c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRefundsCollections_a0c1f19b-eeb4-4028-b653-eac8de8efdf7" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRefundsCollections"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRollForward_1c463566-81a8-4461-a4ea-830796d28e1a" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountRefundsCollections_a0c1f19b-eeb4-4028-b653-eac8de8efdf7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountNet_df8659f5-8b9f-4a82-b639-e5f14e918b68" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumRevenueAccountNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRollForward_c260b16c-430d-472d-a6fc-aaf5ced23b86" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_bc8e451e-eb88-4230-879f-8fae56648c54" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRollForward_c260b16c-430d-472d-a6fc-aaf5ced23b86" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountNet_edeee6be-081c-47e3-96bb-a3e6b29acb1c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRollForward_c260b16c-430d-472d-a6fc-aaf5ced23b86" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountNet_edeee6be-081c-47e3-96bb-a3e6b29acb1c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountIncreaseDecrease_3af300c1-7a22-421c-b712-94c3d0169453" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRollForward_c260b16c-430d-472d-a6fc-aaf5ced23b86" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountIncreaseDecrease_3af300c1-7a22-421c-b712-94c3d0169453" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRefundsCollections_fc11de0b-5904-47cf-be65-d4d9a89fa8ac" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRefundsCollections"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRollForward_c260b16c-430d-472d-a6fc-aaf5ced23b86" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountRefundsCollections_fc11de0b-5904-47cf-be65-d4d9a89fa8ac" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountNet_525b195f-4a71-4088-9b3c-d15aecbd7db1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumCostRecoveryAccountNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRollForward_a7269183-88d7-417f-8807-922b86744069" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_bc8e451e-eb88-4230-879f-8fae56648c54" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRollForward_a7269183-88d7-417f-8807-922b86744069" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingAndMemorandumAccountNet_5699a3e0-3f7d-4ce3-9d67-64bf8ed317ed" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingAndMemorandumAccountNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRollForward_a7269183-88d7-417f-8807-922b86744069" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingAndMemorandumAccountNet_5699a3e0-3f7d-4ce3-9d67-64bf8ed317ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountIncreaseDecrease_f93a6679-fc80-4621-9513-0a739169ce77" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRollForward_a7269183-88d7-417f-8807-922b86744069" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountIncreaseDecrease_f93a6679-fc80-4621-9513-0a739169ce77" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRefundsCollections_6851a6fe-64ca-46ed-82df-de5ab32581ae" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRefundsCollections"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRollForward_a7269183-88d7-417f-8807-922b86744069" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BalancingandMemorandumAccountRefundsCollections_6851a6fe-64ca-46ed-82df-de5ab32581ae" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BalancingAndMemorandumAccountNet_61ee8021-134f-491a-9090-46e9783be61b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BalancingAndMemorandumAccountNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_958843dc-e02f-48a3-a39f-27c2bcc20271" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_bc8e451e-eb88-4230-879f-8fae56648c54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_958843dc-e02f-48a3-a39f-27c2bcc20271" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_b8885791-294b-47f2-a0f3-e96039221ca2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_958843dc-e02f-48a3-a39f-27c2bcc20271" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_b8885791-294b-47f2-a0f3-e96039221ca2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_b8885791-294b-47f2-a0f3-e96039221ca2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_b8885791-294b-47f2-a0f3-e96039221ca2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_b8885791-294b-47f2-a0f3-e96039221ca2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_b8885791-294b-47f2-a0f3-e96039221ca2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MontereyWRAMMember_56040aa4-aa32-4f7a-88b1-bf9f686f4ce7" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MontereyWRAMMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MontereyWRAMMember_56040aa4-aa32-4f7a-88b1-bf9f686f4ce7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_A20142017WCMAMember_fde0ec57-eebb-41ba-a30e-cf93d094812a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_A20142017WCMAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_A20142017WCMAMember_fde0ec57-eebb-41ba-a30e-cf93d094812a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CostofcapitalMember_8050b572-9b5b-4fb6-a8f4-a47218d69809" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CostofcapitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CostofcapitalMember_8050b572-9b5b-4fb6-a8f4-a47218d69809" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_A2022GRCInterimMemorandumAccountMember_909098f8-865a-48df-99e4-58ee81642915" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_A2022GRCInterimMemorandumAccountMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_A2022GRCInterimMemorandumAccountMember_909098f8-865a-48df-99e4-58ee81642915" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember_2076a673-4a01-4691-8907-6ebc6aea68c8" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_OtherRegulatoryAssetsMember_2076a673-4a01-4691-8907-6ebc6aea68c8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_WaterSupplyBalancingAccountsMember_b6a4fe43-6d4f-40bc-8a8f-c8e7746b391a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_WaterSupplyBalancingAccountsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_WaterSupplyBalancingAccountsMember_b6a4fe43-6d4f-40bc-8a8f-c8e7746b391a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PensionBalancingAccountMember_fb61fc17-6218-478e-8452-7d468bffaac8" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PensionBalancingAccountMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PensionBalancingAccountMember_fb61fc17-6218-478e-8452-7d468bffaac8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PRVMAMember_d9b468c1-cf01-4427-afa7-90ee0fa8fd78" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PRVMAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PRVMAMember_d9b468c1-cf01-4427-afa7-90ee0fa8fd78" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CEMAMember_151ef270-515c-423e-acb0-a19f14da3441" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CEMAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_08e3a4c1-5635-4aeb-9beb-3a5c16b81b17" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CEMAMember_151ef270-515c-423e-acb0-a19f14da3441" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/CapitalizationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#CapitalizationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/CapitalizationDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="iae88b0a354364621a5779caa3474e84e_CapitalizationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_4e7abdff-0517-4cfb-9802-9139dcddd1e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_4e7abdff-0517-4cfb-9802-9139dcddd1e1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_8f708de5-f7ec-456d-8e4f-4332feafc9c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_8f708de5-f7ec-456d-8e4f-4332feafc9c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_78fe70be-2a61-4d6c-93bd-3e4e1077e543" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_78fe70be-2a61-4d6c-93bd-3e4e1077e543" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_d57f3b9a-756c-4b51-8809-c189cde439de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_d57f3b9a-756c-4b51-8809-c189cde439de" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_41ff9911-fa10-43e1-8f74-8bd6fd2d663d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_41ff9911-fa10-43e1-8f74-8bd6fd2d663d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_ff113f41-f37d-4c8d-b07c-5aa64a9367ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_ff113f41-f37d-4c8d-b07c-5aa64a9367ae" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_a513c7b2-be1f-4f9f-820d-91a60accc00a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_a513c7b2-be1f-4f9f-820d-91a60accc00a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_28db8d9a-e930-42fb-a68d-8608b07a3bcc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_28db8d9a-e930-42fb-a68d-8608b07a3bcc" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SaleOfStockAggregateGrossSalesPrice_e2c2825d-de2c-497b-917d-fa127a2cebc9" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SaleOfStockAggregateGrossSalesPrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SaleOfStockAggregateGrossSalesPrice_e2c2825d-de2c-497b-917d-fa127a2cebc9" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_3acc2bfe-16ed-4df2-bd8e-2f5c2833fd71" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_3acc2bfe-16ed-4df2-bd8e-2f5c2833fd71" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SaleOfStockWeightedAveragePricePerShare_75a78d73-7acd-4d4f-ba91-a27e123dabfa" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SaleOfStockWeightedAveragePricePerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SaleOfStockWeightedAveragePricePerShare_75a78d73-7acd-4d4f-ba91-a27e123dabfa" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_d78ab9fa-0db7-43f8-909a-2d21cec63a1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_d78ab9fa-0db7-43f8-909a-2d21cec63a1b" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SaleOfStockTotalEquityDistributionAgreementRemaining_31412120-438f-4b15-8011-70b04fd3a883" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SaleOfStockTotalEquityDistributionAgreementRemaining"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SaleOfStockTotalEquityDistributionAgreementRemaining_31412120-438f-4b15-8011-70b04fd3a883" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_8071d809-b78d-4103-bb6b-6bcd89aad700" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_8071d809-b78d-4103-bb6b-6bcd89aad700" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_285d70de-dd66-4f8b-8cfa-8992d46f119a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_acf7d6f5-c586-49f3-8fa5-2a8b25b3a9b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_285d70de-dd66-4f8b-8cfa-8992d46f119a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_929f58d8-198e-4533-8af6-8487c439f54a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_285d70de-dd66-4f8b-8cfa-8992d46f119a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_929f58d8-198e-4533-8af6-8487c439f54a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_929f58d8-198e-4533-8af6-8487c439f54a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_929f58d8-198e-4533-8af6-8487c439f54a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_929f58d8-198e-4533-8af6-8487c439f54a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_af70f667-3c15-476f-87a2-1001141ef66d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_929f58d8-198e-4533-8af6-8487c439f54a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_af70f667-3c15-476f-87a2-1001141ef66d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_AtTheMarketOfferingMember_5caefe26-fa12-4ffa-b1a8-61a356eb1b24" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_AtTheMarketOfferingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_af70f667-3c15-476f-87a2-1001141ef66d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_AtTheMarketOfferingMember_5caefe26-fa12-4ffa-b1a8-61a356eb1b24" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PublicStockOfferingMember_e3e1cae7-2614-403c-ab1f-be23ed12d059" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PublicStockOfferingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_af70f667-3c15-476f-87a2-1001141ef66d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PublicStockOfferingMember_e3e1cae7-2614-403c-ab1f-be23ed12d059" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_8bc75b12-544b-490f-ad4d-0840a88a48b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_af70f667-3c15-476f-87a2-1001141ef66d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_8bc75b12-544b-490f-ad4d-0840a88a48b5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LinesofCreditScheduleofLinesofCreditDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#LinesofCreditScheduleofLinesofCreditDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LinesofCreditScheduleofLinesofCreditDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="iae7d977ea3764a8fab139e48def023ab_LinesofCreditScheduleofLinesofCreditDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5bf75186-cc60-4d4a-9c6f-e94f1e4cbbee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_197b120d-8b27-4500-aa2e-4b066d70dfde" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5bf75186-cc60-4d4a-9c6f-e94f1e4cbbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_197b120d-8b27-4500-aa2e-4b066d70dfde" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_89d6d54d-5994-4482-8b25-61b50eba6633" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5bf75186-cc60-4d4a-9c6f-e94f1e4cbbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_89d6d54d-5994-4482-8b25-61b50eba6633" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_6ce87895-27bb-4fd6-b3ef-173a0694cda3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5bf75186-cc60-4d4a-9c6f-e94f1e4cbbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_6ce87895-27bb-4fd6-b3ef-173a0694cda3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_81f19431-d8b6-4631-a400-2b62555e414f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5bf75186-cc60-4d4a-9c6f-e94f1e4cbbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_81f19431-d8b6-4631-a400-2b62555e414f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1439586a-f064-43cd-b2f5-2fe00b4722d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_81f19431-d8b6-4631-a400-2b62555e414f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1439586a-f064-43cd-b2f5-2fe00b4722d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1439586a-f064-43cd-b2f5-2fe00b4722d7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1439586a-f064-43cd-b2f5-2fe00b4722d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1439586a-f064-43cd-b2f5-2fe00b4722d7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1c295eeb-37bc-441a-98a5-7a4a466fa73f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1439586a-f064-43cd-b2f5-2fe00b4722d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1c295eeb-37bc-441a-98a5-7a4a466fa73f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_4b70744a-c94f-4ec2-8917-7a33e1bef2dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1c295eeb-37bc-441a-98a5-7a4a466fa73f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_4b70744a-c94f-4ec2-8917-7a33e1bef2dd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6c8b476b-edb1-4c03-b55e-8e2338093bd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_81f19431-d8b6-4631-a400-2b62555e414f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6c8b476b-edb1-4c03-b55e-8e2338093bd9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c8b476b-edb1-4c03-b55e-8e2338093bd9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6c8b476b-edb1-4c03-b55e-8e2338093bd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c8b476b-edb1-4c03-b55e-8e2338093bd9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3e525ff4-993a-404f-bf32-0965229be15b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6c8b476b-edb1-4c03-b55e-8e2338093bd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3e525ff4-993a-404f-bf32-0965229be15b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SyndicatedCreditAgreementMember_55918f95-0b62-4982-861a-103d2aa1219b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SyndicatedCreditAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3e525ff4-993a-404f-bf32-0965229be15b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SyndicatedCreditAgreementMember_55918f95-0b62-4982-861a-103d2aa1219b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWGroupCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_469376aa-349b-4c02-af7e-1ee30f01b603" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWGroupCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_SyndicatedCreditAgreementMember_55918f95-0b62-4982-861a-103d2aa1219b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWGroupCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_469376aa-349b-4c02-af7e-1ee30f01b603" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWCCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_bdb4b7a1-6da0-4c50-af5f-bb2cd98d858e" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWCCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_SyndicatedCreditAgreementMember_55918f95-0b62-4982-861a-103d2aa1219b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWCCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_bdb4b7a1-6da0-4c50-af5f-bb2cd98d858e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_2b788f36-7908-43db-a5d3-1409050bd69e" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_SyndicatedCreditAgreementMember_55918f95-0b62-4982-861a-103d2aa1219b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_2b788f36-7908-43db-a5d3-1409050bd69e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWTXCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_55475c0d-2dd2-4733-aa59-dc148db4973d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWTXCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_SyndicatedCreditAgreementMember_55918f95-0b62-4982-861a-103d2aa1219b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWTXCreditAgreementMaturingAugust2027Member_55475c0d-2dd2-4733-aa59-dc148db4973d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingDecember2023Member_9cc551a7-c430-4b84-a904-927edd78835c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingDecember2023Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3e525ff4-993a-404f-bf32-0965229be15b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingDecember2023Member_9cc551a7-c430-4b84-a904-927edd78835c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingMay2025Member_d4961040-0fad-4c49-84a3-94db697e6199" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingMay2025Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3e525ff4-993a-404f-bf32-0965229be15b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingMay2025Member_d4961040-0fad-4c49-84a3-94db697e6199" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_762e5bea-74a5-47c2-8386-1fc6947e8d9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_81f19431-d8b6-4631-a400-2b62555e414f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_762e5bea-74a5-47c2-8386-1fc6947e8d9f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_762e5bea-74a5-47c2-8386-1fc6947e8d9f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_762e5bea-74a5-47c2-8386-1fc6947e8d9f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_762e5bea-74a5-47c2-8386-1fc6947e8d9f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0d20fc38-4789-49e7-94b2-4f492cec401c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_762e5bea-74a5-47c2-8386-1fc6947e8d9f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0d20fc38-4789-49e7-94b2-4f492cec401c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_b76addef-f404-45c3-ba8b-2f5dcb92bdbe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0d20fc38-4789-49e7-94b2-4f492cec401c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_b76addef-f404-45c3-ba8b-2f5dcb92bdbe" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LinesofCreditNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#LinesofCreditNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LinesofCreditNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="idf2f045afde64b36b46507ec9f5e0c8c_LinesofCreditNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_573db09b-c7b4-4d16-8b97-336cfbbc43b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_01835c1d-41c6-4e45-baa9-d7e55969cbab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_573db09b-c7b4-4d16-8b97-336cfbbc43b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_01835c1d-41c6-4e45-baa9-d7e55969cbab" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DebtInstrumentCovenantCapitalizationRatio_cfcfc29a-0e53-481a-a8f3-f74263912fe9" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DebtInstrumentCovenantCapitalizationRatio"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_573db09b-c7b4-4d16-8b97-336cfbbc43b4" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DebtInstrumentCovenantCapitalizationRatio_cfcfc29a-0e53-481a-a8f3-f74263912fe9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_ecfbd9b1-a802-4293-b7d9-d7c2e4c4dcb1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_573db09b-c7b4-4d16-8b97-336cfbbc43b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_ecfbd9b1-a802-4293-b7d9-d7c2e4c4dcb1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_76adf1b8-0435-47c2-9f93-9b724a0b82db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_573db09b-c7b4-4d16-8b97-336cfbbc43b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_76adf1b8-0435-47c2-9f93-9b724a0b82db" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_573db09b-c7b4-4d16-8b97-336cfbbc43b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a7de3e7e-aa93-4d07-bcb3-1123752c077a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a7de3e7e-aa93-4d07-bcb3-1123752c077a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_a7de3e7e-aa93-4d07-bcb3-1123752c077a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a7de3e7e-aa93-4d07-bcb3-1123752c077a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_a7de3e7e-aa93-4d07-bcb3-1123752c077a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_ae366b3a-53ae-435b-bd37-f1dbbb7bf391" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_a7de3e7e-aa93-4d07-bcb3-1123752c077a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_ae366b3a-53ae-435b-bd37-f1dbbb7bf391" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_40cb3ce8-4886-40ce-9f39-e2f419f71fb6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_ae366b3a-53ae-435b-bd37-f1dbbb7bf391" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_40cb3ce8-4886-40ce-9f39-e2f419f71fb6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_b04135c9-67c1-4493-b4dc-bc456cfc7f9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_b04135c9-67c1-4493-b4dc-bc456cfc7f9d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_b04135c9-67c1-4493-b4dc-bc456cfc7f9d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_b04135c9-67c1-4493-b4dc-bc456cfc7f9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_b04135c9-67c1-4493-b4dc-bc456cfc7f9d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9b6f3846-e3aa-4e71-bb34-75f5b214163b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_b04135c9-67c1-4493-b4dc-bc456cfc7f9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9b6f3846-e3aa-4e71-bb34-75f5b214163b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_8f3aa18d-93aa-418e-9a7a-b33d0ea36cf2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9b6f3846-e3aa-4e71-bb34-75f5b214163b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_8f3aa18d-93aa-418e-9a7a-b33d0ea36cf2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fa5679ff-e05e-4cd9-acce-40e4e3d7f02a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fa5679ff-e05e-4cd9-acce-40e4e3d7f02a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa5679ff-e05e-4cd9-acce-40e4e3d7f02a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fa5679ff-e05e-4cd9-acce-40e4e3d7f02a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa5679ff-e05e-4cd9-acce-40e4e3d7f02a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e16d1a9e-3896-4ca3-9c6a-a8875c09eef3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fa5679ff-e05e-4cd9-acce-40e4e3d7f02a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e16d1a9e-3896-4ca3-9c6a-a8875c09eef3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSMember_b34ac3bf-8256-49f1-9dc5-90ea939bcd28" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e16d1a9e-3896-4ca3-9c6a-a8875c09eef3" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSMember_b34ac3bf-8256-49f1-9dc5-90ea939bcd28" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_904aa3e2-e98a-4905-b4bc-ef6717f0ceff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_904aa3e2-e98a-4905-b4bc-ef6717f0ceff" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_904aa3e2-e98a-4905-b4bc-ef6717f0ceff_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_904aa3e2-e98a-4905-b4bc-ef6717f0ceff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_904aa3e2-e98a-4905-b4bc-ef6717f0ceff_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_64ddec62-7745-4e2b-a8b4-d2fbb77c7ee5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_904aa3e2-e98a-4905-b4bc-ef6717f0ceff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_64ddec62-7745-4e2b-a8b4-d2fbb77c7ee5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CreditAgreementMember_1c4e1612-c845-42be-9493-dc58eeef77a3" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CreditAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_64ddec62-7745-4e2b-a8b4-d2fbb77c7ee5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CreditAgreementMember_1c4e1612-c845-42be-9493-dc58eeef77a3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWCCreditAgreementMember_5de97df6-4c2d-41dd-b239-3568696c2bef" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWCCreditAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_CreditAgreementMember_1c4e1612-c845-42be-9493-dc58eeef77a3" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWCCreditAgreementMember_5de97df6-4c2d-41dd-b239-3568696c2bef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWTXCreditAgreementMember_a1b38490-fac7-48c1-aa4e-38b5d5f489e4" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWTXCreditAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_CreditAgreementMember_1c4e1612-c845-42be-9493-dc58eeef77a3" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWTXCreditAgreementMember_a1b38490-fac7-48c1-aa4e-38b5d5f489e4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_80b92017-2647-4a3b-b450-d23196afcab7" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_64ddec62-7745-4e2b-a8b4-d2fbb77c7ee5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_80b92017-2647-4a3b-b450-d23196afcab7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingMay2025Member_3f0ac8c6-8e89-4be3-947c-8e6bdae5f682" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingMay2025Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_64ddec62-7745-4e2b-a8b4-d2fbb77c7ee5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSCreditAgreementMaturingMay2025Member_3f0ac8c6-8e89-4be3-947c-8e6bdae5f682" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_7a4711f5-56df-4fb9-86a5-606d560757e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_7a4711f5-56df-4fb9-86a5-606d560757e5" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7a4711f5-56df-4fb9-86a5-606d560757e5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_7a4711f5-56df-4fb9-86a5-606d560757e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7a4711f5-56df-4fb9-86a5-606d560757e5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4161645e-6071-406d-97af-7a2cc87d5a2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_7a4711f5-56df-4fb9-86a5-606d560757e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4161645e-6071-406d-97af-7a2cc87d5a2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_8136ab11-a5a1-42e8-8e88-aaf83f562472" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4161645e-6071-406d-97af-7a2cc87d5a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_8136ab11-a5a1-42e8-8e88-aaf83f562472" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e2c04e30-5cdb-48ea-b210-b06dbdea7099" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_fdb66559-2d66-4a31-b3dc-c583db8fa714" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e2c04e30-5cdb-48ea-b210-b06dbdea7099" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e2c04e30-5cdb-48ea-b210-b06dbdea7099_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e2c04e30-5cdb-48ea-b210-b06dbdea7099" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e2c04e30-5cdb-48ea-b210-b06dbdea7099_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_65ede293-1994-4c81-9b8e-1574472daf0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e2c04e30-5cdb-48ea-b210-b06dbdea7099" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_65ede293-1994-4c81-9b8e-1574472daf0b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_9ee90569-088c-421a-bdba-0f2a74afaca1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_65ede293-1994-4c81-9b8e-1574472daf0b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_9ee90569-088c-421a-bdba-0f2a74afaca1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleofLongtermDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#LongTermDebtScheduleofLongtermDebtInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleofLongtermDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2c539e1a78f4484392776d45bb16257a_LongTermDebtScheduleofLongtermDebtInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_39369493-38a7-4c13-ae0a-80606c9f8f92" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_39369493-38a7-4c13-ae0a-80606c9f8f92" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_7172606c-56bd-43ec-9131-479f340eeec5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_7172606c-56bd-43ec-9131-479f340eeec5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium_14e73bc6-3783-4928-b4e1-895ac102bdd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium_14e73bc6-3783-4928-b4e1-895ac102bdd7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_12ebb758-891e-4d2f-835d-9a748423a6be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_12ebb758-891e-4d2f-835d-9a748423a6be" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_3f7e9688-c659-4b08-9d72-4564e847f599" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_3f7e9688-c659-4b08-9d72-4564e847f599" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_34412e82-90a6-46d0-8aea-497684647b08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_34412e82-90a6-46d0-8aea-497684647b08" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_30e972bf-c843-4df4-b3b5-3e374758bd7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ad57c73b-1194-4d72-9472-eaf024b693b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_30e972bf-c843-4df4-b3b5-3e374758bd7b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e64e430b-011d-4852-9211-67874de1f32b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_30e972bf-c843-4df4-b3b5-3e374758bd7b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e64e430b-011d-4852-9211-67874de1f32b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e64e430b-011d-4852-9211-67874de1f32b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e64e430b-011d-4852-9211-67874de1f32b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e64e430b-011d-4852-9211-67874de1f32b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e64e430b-011d-4852-9211-67874de1f32b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_de919cb2-a5ed-4ec9-9221-6f8fff710b26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_de919cb2-a5ed-4ec9-9221-6f8fff710b26" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_8fe05e11-470f-426f-9b71-4167a7b6cb14" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_8fe05e11-470f-426f-9b71-4167a7b6cb14" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterServiceInc.Member_2bf7b546-196c-4ccb-91d4-f8f9a0c7b971" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConnecticutWaterServiceInc.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterServiceInc.Member_2bf7b546-196c-4ccb-91d4-f8f9a0c7b971" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterCompanyMember_24bfbbe1-f773-4102-91fc-d569dce22a42" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConnecticutWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterCompanyMember_24bfbbe1-f773-4102-91fc-d569dce22a42" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWTXInc.Member_cbcf52ad-dfc9-40cc-9455-e5c14bd07272" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWTXInc.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWTXInc.Member_cbcf52ad-dfc9-40cc-9455-e5c14bd07272" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember_42ce96f9-c6fa-4cf1-a7ad-49d43aba98e3" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_221ff72d-b7a1-42dd-960d-39ba1a7d020c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember_42ce96f9-c6fa-4cf1-a7ad-49d43aba98e3" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_51278e10-72cd-4543-bb9f-8147cae5b342" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_30e972bf-c843-4df4-b3b5-3e374758bd7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_51278e10-72cd-4543-bb9f-8147cae5b342" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_51278e10-72cd-4543-bb9f-8147cae5b342_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_51278e10-72cd-4543-bb9f-8147cae5b342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_51278e10-72cd-4543-bb9f-8147cae5b342_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_01da7912-1de0-4430-8340-1f2e29cbbffb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_51278e10-72cd-4543-bb9f-8147cae5b342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_01da7912-1de0-4430-8340-1f2e29cbbffb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_43082378-2547-45e5-bddd-37994783d311" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_01da7912-1de0-4430-8340-1f2e29cbbffb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_43082378-2547-45e5-bddd-37994783d311" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_4f4406c9-69f1-432d-9745-311e4b4cf0ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_01da7912-1de0-4430-8340-1f2e29cbbffb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_4f4406c9-69f1-432d-9745-311e4b4cf0ec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_77b85581-0278-4634-ae24-ce30237810bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_01da7912-1de0-4430-8340-1f2e29cbbffb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_77b85581-0278-4634-ae24-ce30237810bd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8b222e64-b8f9-4412-a7e5-a574e4da6d14" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_30e972bf-c843-4df4-b3b5-3e374758bd7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8b222e64-b8f9-4412-a7e5-a574e4da6d14" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8b222e64-b8f9-4412-a7e5-a574e4da6d14_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8b222e64-b8f9-4412-a7e5-a574e4da6d14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8b222e64-b8f9-4412-a7e5-a574e4da6d14_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5e9085fe-d662-4d9b-a694-1c1ad2218388" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8b222e64-b8f9-4412-a7e5-a574e4da6d14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5e9085fe-d662-4d9b-a694-1c1ad2218388" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CaliforniaPollutionControlFinancingAuthorityRevenueBondsTotalMember_f109fd54-cda7-4560-a044-92c2c81ebf6d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CaliforniaPollutionControlFinancingAuthorityRevenueBondsTotalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5e9085fe-d662-4d9b-a694-1c1ad2218388" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CaliforniaPollutionControlFinancingAuthorityRevenueBondsTotalMember_f109fd54-cda7-4560-a044-92c2c81ebf6d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConnecticutInnovationsRevenueBondsVariableRateMember_f98952f8-0e00-44c2-b79a-e41b7d4faf80" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConnecticutInnovationsRevenueBondsVariableRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5e9085fe-d662-4d9b-a694-1c1ad2218388" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConnecticutInnovationsRevenueBondsVariableRateMember_f98952f8-0e00-44c2-b79a-e41b7d4faf80" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_StateRevolvingFundLoansMember_65360ac0-64e6-4a67-9597-f814a8adb467" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_StateRevolvingFundLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5e9085fe-d662-4d9b-a694-1c1ad2218388" xlink:to="loc_sjw_StateRevolvingFundLoansMember_65360ac0-64e6-4a67-9597-f814a8adb467" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_FirstMortgageBondsMember_1ae6b083-67c6-46de-a68a-747c7b85087b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_FirstMortgageBondsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5e9085fe-d662-4d9b-a694-1c1ad2218388" xlink:to="loc_sjw_FirstMortgageBondsMember_1ae6b083-67c6-46de-a68a-747c7b85087b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ed9d8eba-33f3-483c-bf7b-3aa3cd7e4df2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_30e972bf-c843-4df4-b3b5-3e374758bd7b" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ed9d8eba-33f3-483c-bf7b-3aa3cd7e4df2" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_ed9d8eba-33f3-483c-bf7b-3aa3cd7e4df2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ed9d8eba-33f3-483c-bf7b-3aa3cd7e4df2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_ed9d8eba-33f3-483c-bf7b-3aa3cd7e4df2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_c9949591-6bdb-41ed-9821-1e614deddfbd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ed9d8eba-33f3-483c-bf7b-3aa3cd7e4df2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_c9949591-6bdb-41ed-9821-1e614deddfbd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_e38fe4b8-044a-4dd5-b602-2c917d7f43d2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_c9949591-6bdb-41ed-9821-1e614deddfbd" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_e38fe4b8-044a-4dd5-b602-2c917d7f43d2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_49ea0e8f-9b57-4b85-b193-daaf6023b7fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_c9949591-6bdb-41ed-9821-1e614deddfbd" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_49ea0e8f-9b57-4b85-b193-daaf6023b7fe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i24cf2530a9304f63bf33e6f8777146dc_LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_e5e77509-b274-40d1-9615-352c9ec9c7c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_60f6f5c0-3fd3-4c09-8b93-9c61cf6e199e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_e5e77509-b274-40d1-9615-352c9ec9c7c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_60f6f5c0-3fd3-4c09-8b93-9c61cf6e199e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_c59ead20-b78e-4453-8cfb-938c7d2653c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_e5e77509-b274-40d1-9615-352c9ec9c7c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_c59ead20-b78e-4453-8cfb-938c7d2653c7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3be8ff67-6c29-43c2-acdd-8b05ce8e2834" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_e5e77509-b274-40d1-9615-352c9ec9c7c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3be8ff67-6c29-43c2-acdd-8b05ce8e2834" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_33607e6f-de54-4a0e-bc79-be62b43bf1cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_e5e77509-b274-40d1-9615-352c9ec9c7c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_33607e6f-de54-4a0e-bc79-be62b43bf1cb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_b24d6e2d-24a3-4911-b886-6a710624a20f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_33607e6f-de54-4a0e-bc79-be62b43bf1cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_b24d6e2d-24a3-4911-b886-6a710624a20f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_b24d6e2d-24a3-4911-b886-6a710624a20f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_b24d6e2d-24a3-4911-b886-6a710624a20f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_b24d6e2d-24a3-4911-b886-6a710624a20f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7f3ed632-4dec-4777-a9cd-2cb428881c78" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_b24d6e2d-24a3-4911-b886-6a710624a20f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7f3ed632-4dec-4777-a9cd-2cb428881c78" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_309d79df-d94c-4b0b-a9da-bc9ac63ef51e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7f3ed632-4dec-4777-a9cd-2cb428881c78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_309d79df-d94c-4b0b-a9da-bc9ac63ef51e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7f264585-e330-443c-a7b0-c5789a09d4d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_33607e6f-de54-4a0e-bc79-be62b43bf1cb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7f264585-e330-443c-a7b0-c5789a09d4d3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7f264585-e330-443c-a7b0-c5789a09d4d3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7f264585-e330-443c-a7b0-c5789a09d4d3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7f264585-e330-443c-a7b0-c5789a09d4d3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7b2570fc-ab39-453d-8ff4-ba3d931cfe82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7f264585-e330-443c-a7b0-c5789a09d4d3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7b2570fc-ab39-453d-8ff4-ba3d931cfe82" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_d5d98b14-3a83-4f66-8d47-074a931df8ae" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7b2570fc-ab39-453d-8ff4-ba3d931cfe82" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SanJoseWaterCompanyMember_d5d98b14-3a83-4f66-8d47-074a931df8ae" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterCompanyMember_a9a50eb5-cad9-4738-b6bd-14cee772f640" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConnecticutWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7b2570fc-ab39-453d-8ff4-ba3d931cfe82" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterCompanyMember_a9a50eb5-cad9-4738-b6bd-14cee772f640" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWTXInc.Member_03e01c4e-3d1e-4ce0-9828-1a6eab3bc98c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWTXInc.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7b2570fc-ab39-453d-8ff4-ba3d931cfe82" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWTXInc.Member_03e01c4e-3d1e-4ce0-9828-1a6eab3bc98c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember_41a81cfe-bae9-4c44-b91c-602409762f45" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7b2570fc-ab39-453d-8ff4-ba3d931cfe82" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MaineWaterCompanyMember_41a81cfe-bae9-4c44-b91c-602409762f45" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4dec6ad4-7c02-4b77-931e-4de292dfd950" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_33607e6f-de54-4a0e-bc79-be62b43bf1cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4dec6ad4-7c02-4b77-931e-4de292dfd950" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4dec6ad4-7c02-4b77-931e-4de292dfd950_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4dec6ad4-7c02-4b77-931e-4de292dfd950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4dec6ad4-7c02-4b77-931e-4de292dfd950_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_591b4523-0ed4-4d10-a9d5-d94019898ad5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4dec6ad4-7c02-4b77-931e-4de292dfd950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_591b4523-0ed4-4d10-a9d5-d94019898ad5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_2b99ac8d-83e7-4976-99f8-be2a4bc7cffa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_591b4523-0ed4-4d10-a9d5-d94019898ad5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_2b99ac8d-83e7-4976-99f8-be2a4bc7cffa" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_b5490282-f309-4fa1-8a02-b871064a4fa7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_591b4523-0ed4-4d10-a9d5-d94019898ad5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_b5490282-f309-4fa1-8a02-b871064a4fa7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3649fa44-e200-449d-b47b-e49732b22c38" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_33607e6f-de54-4a0e-bc79-be62b43bf1cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3649fa44-e200-449d-b47b-e49732b22c38" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3649fa44-e200-449d-b47b-e49732b22c38_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3649fa44-e200-449d-b47b-e49732b22c38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3649fa44-e200-449d-b47b-e49732b22c38_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c3c3b5d-0a1d-45c2-a269-b31ddbc23e63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3649fa44-e200-449d-b47b-e49732b22c38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c3c3b5d-0a1d-45c2-a269-b31ddbc23e63" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_A485SeniorNoteSeriesPMember_94655520-bdfe-4ee2-877d-e9dfae128a62" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_A485SeniorNoteSeriesPMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c3c3b5d-0a1d-45c2-a269-b31ddbc23e63" xlink:to="loc_sjw_A485SeniorNoteSeriesPMember_94655520-bdfe-4ee2-877d-e9dfae128a62" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_A471SeniorNoteSeries2022Due2052Member_3b49947d-c40e-4f68-8379-287a875e6f33" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_A471SeniorNoteSeries2022Due2052Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c3c3b5d-0a1d-45c2-a269-b31ddbc23e63" xlink:to="loc_sjw_A471SeniorNoteSeries2022Due2052Member_3b49947d-c40e-4f68-8379-287a875e6f33" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_A554SeniorNotesDueMay2052Member_1877bf5a-229d-4260-a2b8-8fcc9d4ec7fb" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_A554SeniorNotesDueMay2052Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c3c3b5d-0a1d-45c2-a269-b31ddbc23e63" xlink:to="loc_sjw_A554SeniorNotesDueMay2052Member_1877bf5a-229d-4260-a2b8-8fcc9d4ec7fb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_A454NoteDueMay2042Member_ae2f084e-bd08-4773-8fff-b5da263973e5" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_A454NoteDueMay2042Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6c3c3b5d-0a1d-45c2-a269-b31ddbc23e63" xlink:to="loc_sjw_A454NoteDueMay2042Member_ae2f084e-bd08-4773-8fff-b5da263973e5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="if34ef46485184a2ca6b4eb6eaca456b5_IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_835eb6a1-1d5b-40fb-84c3-e3e8eee68971" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_835eb6a1-1d5b-40fb-84c3-e3e8eee68971" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_5bc3a8e0-f1ab-42b1-aefb-b60a11fbeeae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_5bc3a8e0-f1ab-42b1-aefb-b60a11fbeeae" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPeriodIncreaseDecrease_0448f352-8cd4-40da-946a-5683e0e40095" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPeriodIncreaseDecrease_0448f352-8cd4-40da-946a-5683e0e40095" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsGross_2c4b77f7-2f41-44c9-b10f-47d2f8da63fa" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_sjw_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsGross_2c4b77f7-2f41-44c9-b10f-47d2f8da63fa" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_6316df61-72c0-4c75-8bff-2f9b4b743399" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_6316df61-72c0-4c75-8bff-2f9b4b743399" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_29b59680-a1fa-40a9-838b-d92b04870815" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_29b59680-a1fa-40a9-838b-d92b04870815" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_893010ad-ed52-4286-8ec5-b3cd705ca315" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_893010ad-ed52-4286-8ec5-b3cd705ca315" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_e450b070-8265-441c-a58c-4eff574a45bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_1e540fa0-d868-4b41-98f9-c1f0bc330f96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_e450b070-8265-441c-a58c-4eff574a45bd" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_2dd2b3d5-82b5-4f88-8109-05c998546b63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_e450b070-8265-441c-a58c-4eff574a45bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_2dd2b3d5-82b5-4f88-8109-05c998546b63" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2dd2b3d5-82b5-4f88-8109-05c998546b63_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_2dd2b3d5-82b5-4f88-8109-05c998546b63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2dd2b3d5-82b5-4f88-8109-05c998546b63_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_7fd8407d-8f62-4bfb-ad13-49da7058dc96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_2dd2b3d5-82b5-4f88-8109-05c998546b63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_7fd8407d-8f62-4bfb-ad13-49da7058dc96" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_stpr_CT_756611f9-7df4-4810-87cc-7bec78653430" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_CT"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_7fd8407d-8f62-4bfb-ad13-49da7058dc96" xlink:to="loc_stpr_CT_756611f9-7df4-4810-87cc-7bec78653430" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie87f92e35f194fcfb839724de4ddd8d3_UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_bf7d14a3-e8c3-41b3-912a-e98fd9d52fa8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_7fbb7a51-fc29-4a98-b2ff-6087c668a21f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_bf7d14a3-e8c3-41b3-912a-e98fd9d52fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_7fbb7a51-fc29-4a98-b2ff-6087c668a21f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedCustomerRelationshipsGross_a70de2c5-5e12-46bb-8e5e-ed7443b9a55c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedCustomerRelationshipsGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_bf7d14a3-e8c3-41b3-912a-e98fd9d52fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedCustomerRelationshipsGross_a70de2c5-5e12-46bb-8e5e-ed7443b9a55c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_5b01587e-0a52-4ae2-844d-9c6472d27480" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_bf7d14a3-e8c3-41b3-912a-e98fd9d52fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_5b01587e-0a52-4ae2-844d-9c6472d27480" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_cfc2636a-3b6b-413f-a0e7-7fda96291233" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_bf7d14a3-e8c3-41b3-912a-e98fd9d52fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_cfc2636a-3b6b-413f-a0e7-7fda96291233" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_bf7d14a3-e8c3-41b3-912a-e98fd9d52fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_eeef6d20-e037-45a4-ade4-71af05c79665" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_eeef6d20-e037-45a4-ade4-71af05c79665" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_3d5e29dd-a68c-4c26-9448-c7192ba1d525" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_3d5e29dd-a68c-4c26-9448-c7192ba1d525" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_ae3efc27-d39d-4544-a1ce-c720dc62932c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_ae3efc27-d39d-4544-a1ce-c720dc62932c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_d8019163-1247-45a2-89ea-a7f681772777" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_d8019163-1247-45a2-89ea-a7f681772777" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_6f1b94d8-1e4b-4beb-85e7-ecac5292ee80" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_6f1b94d8-1e4b-4beb-85e7-ecac5292ee80" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_38b76bd1-192e-4687-8b74-3d9508543f71" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_83de9abe-b7a4-4b2b-a1fb-e4b207929c09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_38b76bd1-192e-4687-8b74-3d9508543f71" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_8b442e6a-1360-4814-b306-d64873dd343a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_bf7d14a3-e8c3-41b3-912a-e98fd9d52fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_8b442e6a-1360-4814-b306-d64873dd343a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_a0f84a71-21b6-467d-881a-dc6a4139fe96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_8b442e6a-1360-4814-b306-d64873dd343a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_a0f84a71-21b6-467d-881a-dc6a4139fe96" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_a0f84a71-21b6-467d-881a-dc6a4139fe96_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_a0f84a71-21b6-467d-881a-dc6a4139fe96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_a0f84a71-21b6-467d-881a-dc6a4139fe96_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5b2e3b93-5f1a-4405-8f40-48d3a20bb928" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_a0f84a71-21b6-467d-881a-dc6a4139fe96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5b2e3b93-5f1a-4405-8f40-48d3a20bb928" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConcessionFeesMember_65b95212-6594-45c3-a69d-085782f35b1c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConcessionFeesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5b2e3b93-5f1a-4405-8f40-48d3a20bb928" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConcessionFeesMember_65b95212-6594-45c3-a69d-085782f35b1c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_faa7b0e3-254d-446c-9b7c-ce27335f749e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5b2e3b93-5f1a-4405-8f40-48d3a20bb928" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_faa7b0e3-254d-446c-9b7c-ce27335f749e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_82cb0e01-61a3-4aba-93a0-2f64bea7caa5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5b2e3b93-5f1a-4405-8f40-48d3a20bb928" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_82cb0e01-61a3-4aba-93a0-2f64bea7caa5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_96b6c889-8070-4d6a-9bd9-510cd0eff360" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_82cb0e01-61a3-4aba-93a0-2f64bea7caa5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_96b6c889-8070-4d6a-9bd9-510cd0eff360" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_InfrastructureMember_397fbff5-57e6-4610-b927-d3d28b8b4393" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_InfrastructureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_82cb0e01-61a3-4aba-93a0-2f64bea7caa5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_InfrastructureMember_397fbff5-57e6-4610-b927-d3d28b8b4393" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualRightsMember_ecc2de6e-c465-4295-b190-1f460b98791c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualRightsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_82cb0e01-61a3-4aba-93a0-2f64bea7caa5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractualRightsMember_ecc2de6e-c465-4295-b190-1f460b98791c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d8fb2e41-c209-463a-94da-25d39b96ccd4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_8b442e6a-1360-4814-b306-d64873dd343a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d8fb2e41-c209-463a-94da-25d39b96ccd4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_d8fb2e41-c209-463a-94da-25d39b96ccd4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d8fb2e41-c209-463a-94da-25d39b96ccd4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_d8fb2e41-c209-463a-94da-25d39b96ccd4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1e4a6446-3b50-4783-b6da-ebdf4cd6b71b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d8fb2e41-c209-463a-94da-25d39b96ccd4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1e4a6446-3b50-4783-b6da-ebdf4cd6b71b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a92827ab-7938-4e95-a68f-6ed21cf102ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_1e4a6446-3b50-4783-b6da-ebdf4cd6b71b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a92827ab-7938-4e95-a68f-6ed21cf102ae" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_a76e8507-b7f4-4818-a944-5e0686efb911" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_1e4a6446-3b50-4783-b6da-ebdf4cd6b71b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_a76e8507-b7f4-4818-a944-5e0686efb911" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i9a5385aee32442f886f0f35153828b18_UtilityPlantIntangibleAssetsScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_1d2024ce-a9e2-4baf-af1e-5a4214f7b011" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_56852fbe-80bd-4d3b-b872-e50660bbb44e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_1d2024ce-a9e2-4baf-af1e-5a4214f7b011" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_56852fbe-80bd-4d3b-b872-e50660bbb44e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_e10102c5-2d9b-4b7e-9b54-0cc912e4ca65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_1d2024ce-a9e2-4baf-af1e-5a4214f7b011" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_e10102c5-2d9b-4b7e-9b54-0cc912e4ca65" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_a70cd62e-acfe-4f29-b797-271f5412e067" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_1d2024ce-a9e2-4baf-af1e-5a4214f7b011" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_a70cd62e-acfe-4f29-b797-271f5412e067" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_4b4101b4-f476-4e29-ab99-66cea1937327" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_1d2024ce-a9e2-4baf-af1e-5a4214f7b011" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_4b4101b4-f476-4e29-ab99-66cea1937327" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_80435e6a-26c5-4deb-81d2-f0fed0269f99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_4b4101b4-f476-4e29-ab99-66cea1937327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_80435e6a-26c5-4deb-81d2-f0fed0269f99" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_80435e6a-26c5-4deb-81d2-f0fed0269f99_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_80435e6a-26c5-4deb-81d2-f0fed0269f99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_80435e6a-26c5-4deb-81d2-f0fed0269f99_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d555b26e-d082-4f58-bd96-9bfbb002c48b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_80435e6a-26c5-4deb-81d2-f0fed0269f99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d555b26e-d082-4f58-bd96-9bfbb002c48b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConcessionFeesMember_4d614c70-07a3-4ac7-9247-68a0b45f0cf4" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConcessionFeesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d555b26e-d082-4f58-bd96-9bfbb002c48b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConcessionFeesMember_4d614c70-07a3-4ac7-9247-68a0b45f0cf4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_750d94b7-6ac5-4aa0-af0a-5320f133e60b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d555b26e-d082-4f58-bd96-9bfbb002c48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_750d94b7-6ac5-4aa0-af0a-5320f133e60b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_20b3d579-7b78-4b9b-ba63-9179e927fc89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_d555b26e-d082-4f58-bd96-9bfbb002c48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_20b3d579-7b78-4b9b-ba63-9179e927fc89" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/CommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#CommitmentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/CommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="idffc0bd6d356438f9ad5da251a2b6249_CommitmentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MasterContractNegotiatedTermForDeliverySchedules_0dd83501-bf1e-4996-b4d8-bf4722e2629b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MasterContractNegotiatedTermForDeliverySchedules"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MasterContractNegotiatedTermForDeliverySchedules_0dd83501-bf1e-4996-b4d8-bf4722e2629b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PurchasedWaterGallons_432441c4-12e2-47aa-ad64-7b6c73d6bf37" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PurchasedWaterGallons"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PurchasedWaterGallons_432441c4-12e2-47aa-ad64-7b6c73d6bf37" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPurchasedWater_457bbc85-7a79-40e2-af15-ba68b612ae7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfPurchasedWater"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPurchasedWater_457bbc85-7a79-40e2-af15-ba68b612ae7d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ReductioninDeliverySchedulePercent_e8db6e33-07f5-4807-b37a-0a606d22f48c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ReductioninDeliverySchedulePercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ReductioninDeliverySchedulePercent_e8db6e33-07f5-4807-b37a-0a606d22f48c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IncreaseInDeliverySchedulePercent_1cf2ba54-e508-4f0f-a70d-aab8aa73ef4d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IncreaseInDeliverySchedulePercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IncreaseInDeliverySchedulePercent_1cf2ba54-e508-4f0f-a70d-aab8aa73ef4d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumPercentageRequiredNextTwelveMonths_c26021ef-9a30-407b-8aa1-004d96cb69db" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumPercentageRequiredNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumPercentageRequiredNextTwelveMonths_c26021ef-9a30-407b-8aa1-004d96cb69db" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumVolumeRequiredNextTwelveMonths_35f81169-f5df-4891-9094-975cb1d15734" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumVolumeRequiredNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumVolumeRequiredNextTwelveMonths_35f81169-f5df-4891-9094-975cb1d15734" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_a38e072a-d43f-4acb-bdc9-7782d0b55ebb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_a38e072a-d43f-4acb-bdc9-7782d0b55ebb" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentFixedPrice_6a376e00-1748-4dfd-8b8a-694f4c18cde8" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentFixedPrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentFixedPrice_6a376e00-1748-4dfd-8b8a-694f4c18cde8" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_2457910a-9fc2-449d-9d68-177aaed1d0d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_2457910a-9fc2-449d-9d68-177aaed1d0d7" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_58da4030-1b53-4dfa-85eb-3adb318929e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_58da4030-1b53-4dfa-85eb-3adb318929e0" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_3e44aed4-a180-4f82-aa2a-cd861a8bbeb0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_3e44aed4-a180-4f82-aa2a-cd861a8bbeb0" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod_0913ada9-d4d4-4aec-8512-5bb6cd806c98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod_0913ada9-d4d4-4aec-8512-5bb6cd806c98" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentWaterPurchased_79860b01-6ab8-4c0a-92e0-1a7a64fe68e5" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentWaterPurchased"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentWaterPurchased_79860b01-6ab8-4c0a-92e0-1a7a64fe68e5" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumAcreFeetRequired_57f50cc5-f45c-4d6e-8efc-270ab77c2a3a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumAcreFeetRequired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumAcreFeetRequired_57f50cc5-f45c-4d6e-8efc-270ab77c2a3a" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_NoticePeriodRequiredForContractAdjustment_c265859c-c21b-49ff-afbd-eb0a06efaf31" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_NoticePeriodRequiredForContractAdjustment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_NoticePeriodRequiredForContractAdjustment_c265859c-c21b-49ff-afbd-eb0a06efaf31" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ContractAgreementTerm_f3c5cdff-6239-427d-9860-e80b520f6c22" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ContractAgreementTerm"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ContractAgreementTerm_f3c5cdff-6239-427d-9860-e80b520f6c22" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentWholesaleDiscount_95edfeab-b970-424a-a7f3-5b896e547182" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentWholesaleDiscount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentWholesaleDiscount_95edfeab-b970-424a-a7f3-5b896e547182" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentTariffRate_1f1564ae-846d-4087-90d2-b41656dea9d5" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentTariffRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentTariffRate_1f1564ae-846d-4087-90d2-b41656dea9d5" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees_e43206f5-8330-4d16-8fd5-a8b57d10c56a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees_e43206f5-8330-4d16-8fd5-a8b57d10c56a" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BargainingAgreementsTerm_9ac1568e-e5b1-452a-bf8c-2dd329349216" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BargainingAgreementsTerm"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BargainingAgreementsTerm_9ac1568e-e5b1-452a-bf8c-2dd329349216" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearOne_3586822a-16b5-4594-bc26-b7437b202093" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearOne"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearOne_3586822a-16b5-4594-bc26-b7437b202093" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearTwo_b647bc0f-11e6-4fee-9e30-cc05c912fedf" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearTwo"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearTwo_b647bc0f-11e6-4fee-9e30-cc05c912fedf" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearThree_4f16b66d-3cd4-415f-8e68-8e961b401ed1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearThree"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CollectiveBargainingAgreementWageIncreasePercentYearThree_4f16b66d-3cd4-415f-8e68-8e961b401ed1" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_92fc835e-4639-4ce8-b2a0-2469e7f3dfac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierAxis_42e9a12f-f57f-46aa-a59f-1d62e85ac97c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MajorSupplierAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierAxis_42e9a12f-f57f-46aa-a59f-1d62e85ac97c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierDomain_42e9a12f-f57f-46aa-a59f-1d62e85ac97c_default" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MajorSupplierDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierAxis_42e9a12f-f57f-46aa-a59f-1d62e85ac97c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierDomain_42e9a12f-f57f-46aa-a59f-1d62e85ac97c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierDomain_cc18574b-cd3e-4adb-81ff-7cb828b8c3bc" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MajorSupplierDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierAxis_42e9a12f-f57f-46aa-a59f-1d62e85ac97c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierDomain_cc18574b-cd3e-4adb-81ff-7cb828b8c3bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SantaClaraValleyWaterDistrictMember_c5addd80-adcd-411d-b41e-4813fcee2a77" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SantaClaraValleyWaterDistrictMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierDomain_cc18574b-cd3e-4adb-81ff-7cb828b8c3bc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SantaClaraValleyWaterDistrictMember_c5addd80-adcd-411d-b41e-4813fcee2a77" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_GuadalupeBlancoRiverAuthorityMember_be9ac412-34ba-4d29-9194-5ae66b2ce4c8" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_GuadalupeBlancoRiverAuthorityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierDomain_cc18574b-cd3e-4adb-81ff-7cb828b8c3bc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_GuadalupeBlancoRiverAuthorityMember_be9ac412-34ba-4d29-9194-5ae66b2ce4c8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_LowerColoradoRiverAuthorityMember_1475dc68-1dff-44a4-af74-7e0da060f0f6" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_LowerColoradoRiverAuthorityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_MajorSupplierDomain_cc18574b-cd3e-4adb-81ff-7cb828b8c3bc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_LowerColoradoRiverAuthorityMember_1475dc68-1dff-44a4-af74-7e0da060f0f6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b0d81983-7e04-4daa-88d0-7a7bae702eaa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b0d81983-7e04-4daa-88d0-7a7bae702eaa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b0d81983-7e04-4daa-88d0-7a7bae702eaa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b0d81983-7e04-4daa-88d0-7a7bae702eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b0d81983-7e04-4daa-88d0-7a7bae702eaa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_150d6dde-c768-4e36-86ac-d40430da3c56" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b0d81983-7e04-4daa-88d0-7a7bae702eaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_150d6dde-c768-4e36-86ac-d40430da3c56" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_6451d227-e572-4033-8c73-a38c4b879e58" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_150d6dde-c768-4e36-86ac-d40430da3c56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_6451d227-e572-4033-8c73-a38c4b879e58" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConcessionFeesMember_813df30e-ed76-4239-aedb-455296a73ec9" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConcessionFeesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_150d6dde-c768-4e36-86ac-d40430da3c56" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConcessionFeesMember_813df30e-ed76-4239-aedb-455296a73ec9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f9db8971-dd07-4197-8cbd-9effa90a7af7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f9db8971-dd07-4197-8cbd-9effa90a7af7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_f9db8971-dd07-4197-8cbd-9effa90a7af7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f9db8971-dd07-4197-8cbd-9effa90a7af7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_f9db8971-dd07-4197-8cbd-9effa90a7af7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c9d532a6-ef10-49f7-a366-106efaf89a90" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f9db8971-dd07-4197-8cbd-9effa90a7af7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c9d532a6-ef10-49f7-a366-106efaf89a90" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SouthCentralConnecticutRegionalWaterAuthorityMember_44fba7ef-149d-420f-bcb8-fc48cedded38" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SouthCentralConnecticutRegionalWaterAuthorityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c9d532a6-ef10-49f7-a366-106efaf89a90" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SouthCentralConnecticutRegionalWaterAuthorityMember_44fba7ef-149d-420f-bcb8-fc48cedded38" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_TheMetropolitanDistrictMember_a8a5c961-a9af-4af3-990b-b9330e147c6e" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_TheMetropolitanDistrictMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c9d532a6-ef10-49f7-a366-106efaf89a90" xlink:to="loc_sjw_TheMetropolitanDistrictMember_a8a5c961-a9af-4af3-990b-b9330e147c6e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_KennebecWaterDistrictMember_ceb76d11-0d18-4f4b-822e-7ed683a02ece" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_KennebecWaterDistrictMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c9d532a6-ef10-49f7-a366-106efaf89a90" xlink:to="loc_sjw_KennebecWaterDistrictMember_ceb76d11-0d18-4f4b-822e-7ed683a02ece" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_InternationalUnionOfOperatingEngineersMember_c66c1cfb-325c-40c1-b8d8-6cdf8b8c4a1b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_InternationalUnionOfOperatingEngineersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_c9d532a6-ef10-49f7-a366-106efaf89a90" xlink:to="loc_sjw_InternationalUnionOfOperatingEngineersMember_c66c1cfb-325c-40c1-b8d8-6cdf8b8c4a1b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_1e181912-0d45-4ada-aefc-f62197cad86e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_1e181912-0d45-4ada-aefc-f62197cad86e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_1e181912-0d45-4ada-aefc-f62197cad86e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_1e181912-0d45-4ada-aefc-f62197cad86e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_1e181912-0d45-4ada-aefc-f62197cad86e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_e07dbef1-7ded-4474-8759-10884c4540e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_1e181912-0d45-4ada-aefc-f62197cad86e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_e07dbef1-7ded-4474-8759-10884c4540e0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CapacityAgreementMember_44d8ef91-70a1-419c-b555-d3ac7ebfa0df" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CapacityAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_e07dbef1-7ded-4474-8759-10884c4540e0" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CapacityAgreementMember_44d8ef91-70a1-419c-b555-d3ac7ebfa0df" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_52328c7d-e684-4105-a113-8eec743dbd91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_52328c7d-e684-4105-a113-8eec743dbd91" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_52328c7d-e684-4105-a113-8eec743dbd91_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_52328c7d-e684-4105-a113-8eec743dbd91" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_52328c7d-e684-4105-a113-8eec743dbd91_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_db6f493b-935f-46a3-87c4-53a824c0221e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_52328c7d-e684-4105-a113-8eec743dbd91" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_db6f493b-935f-46a3-87c4-53a824c0221e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_94881a8f-1c9a-437a-bb20-87a4cc680b91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_db6f493b-935f-46a3-87c4-53a824c0221e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_94881a8f-1c9a-437a-bb20-87a4cc680b91" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_234b00ba-9cd0-4967-8543-f04dde888638" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_db6f493b-935f-46a3-87c4-53a824c0221e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_234b00ba-9cd0-4967-8543-f04dde888638" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cf0ef6a8-3e6e-4595-be91-5ab86730028d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cf0ef6a8-3e6e-4595-be91-5ab86730028d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_cf0ef6a8-3e6e-4595-be91-5ab86730028d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cf0ef6a8-3e6e-4595-be91-5ab86730028d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_cf0ef6a8-3e6e-4595-be91-5ab86730028d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_73b8edb2-d8a6-4ef7-a0a4-e859dabae93a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cf0ef6a8-3e6e-4595-be91-5ab86730028d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_73b8edb2-d8a6-4ef7-a0a4-e859dabae93a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SubsidiaryOneMember_a2b46fbe-129c-4c89-ad76-fb7395c2babb" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SubsidiaryOneMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_73b8edb2-d8a6-4ef7-a0a4-e859dabae93a" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SubsidiaryOneMember_a2b46fbe-129c-4c89-ad76-fb7395c2babb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_a70b85e4-932a-4004-9b9e-b333a3335850" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_a70b85e4-932a-4004-9b9e-b333a3335850" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_a70b85e4-932a-4004-9b9e-b333a3335850_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_a70b85e4-932a-4004-9b9e-b333a3335850" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_a70b85e4-932a-4004-9b9e-b333a3335850_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3c73b214-7d79-4843-a9fb-9a2f0b6d6113" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_a70b85e4-932a-4004-9b9e-b333a3335850" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3c73b214-7d79-4843-a9fb-9a2f0b6d6113" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_8291b188-fff6-4485-8966-9f84d7fa3f38" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3c73b214-7d79-4843-a9fb-9a2f0b6d6113" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_8291b188-fff6-4485-8966-9f84d7fa3f38" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_60ede142-07d7-4859-9430-c65a2ebcc9cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_233e86db-37e6-4b51-8ce4-9e50d779b382" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_60ede142-07d7-4859-9430-c65a2ebcc9cf" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_60ede142-07d7-4859-9430-c65a2ebcc9cf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_60ede142-07d7-4859-9430-c65a2ebcc9cf" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_60ede142-07d7-4859-9430-c65a2ebcc9cf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_42ef2f8a-974b-42cc-875e-6810348de4ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_60ede142-07d7-4859-9430-c65a2ebcc9cf" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_42ef2f8a-974b-42cc-875e-6810348de4ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_UnionMemberMember_6f3de66a-3f44-4832-93e9-d150ce54267d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_UnionMemberMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_42ef2f8a-974b-42cc-875e-6810348de4ff" xlink:to="loc_sjw_UnionMemberMember_6f3de66a-3f44-4832-93e9-d150ce54267d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ib688b1b8d33049d59279f1e8b7e33b55_BenefitPlansNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5b70218d-6cca-410b-b02b-e98eb24e4e84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PensionPlansAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5b70218d-6cca-410b-b02b-e98eb24e4e84" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanRateOfCompensationIncrease_2b253dbf-8468-4647-bc6d-206122627a11" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanRateOfCompensationIncrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanRateOfCompensationIncrease_2b253dbf-8468-4647-bc6d-206122627a11" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_c226a5c0-28b7-4e08-b1a3-52db4d274068" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_c226a5c0-28b7-4e08-b1a3-52db4d274068" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDiscountRateChange_73eb68eb-f2d4-4c55-9b84-01e8dc8e632a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDiscountRateChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDiscountRateChange_73eb68eb-f2d4-4c55-9b84-01e8dc8e632a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDataAndOtherChanges_3773a29c-faa3-4ce6-b1d2-418e38540b00" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDataAndOtherChanges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDataAndOtherChanges_3773a29c-faa3-4ce6-b1d2-418e38540b00" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossMortalityChange_b40ed153-f097-4520-b6bc-967d4780fa1c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossMortalityChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossMortalityChange_b40ed153-f097-4520-b6bc-967d4780fa1c" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanPeriodForPerformanceStandards_977f3f62-dd4d-45f9-890a-0815b673d78a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanPeriodForPerformanceStandards"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanPeriodForPerformanceStandards_977f3f62-dd4d-45f9-890a-0815b673d78a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_ad9fe071-0822-4432-a7aa-4c0a2e57bdda" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_ad9fe071-0822-4432-a7aa-4c0a2e57bdda" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_db2c1d5c-2e14-4617-b1cd-2f7e236d647b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_db2c1d5c-2e14-4617-b1cd-2f7e236d647b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_e5246c7f-5eac-4b53-b080-b1e2da6a58a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_e5246c7f-5eac-4b53-b080-b1e2da6a58a3" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_49b9b754-d56e-4003-b813-a4b7107e4c6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_49b9b754-d56e-4003-b813-a4b7107e4c6d" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_7d31fe83-5780-4471-8792-e3ae6044d744" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_7d31fe83-5780-4471-8792-e3ae6044d744" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueOfLifeInsurance_4cc537ce-45aa-4d53-9535-33bf50c19dcf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueOfLifeInsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueOfLifeInsurance_4cc537ce-45aa-4d53-9535-33bf50c19dcf" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_HealthCareSpendingAccountAnnualMaximumEmployeeContribution_2e7d700f-5335-4363-9a28-1ef38bdc1fde" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_HealthCareSpendingAccountAnnualMaximumEmployeeContribution"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_HealthCareSpendingAccountAnnualMaximumEmployeeContribution_2e7d700f-5335-4363-9a28-1ef38bdc1fde" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DependentCareSpendingAccountAnnualMaximumEmployeeContribution_0bdbe908-6243-44ca-b866-07393d03a60c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DependentCareSpendingAccountAnnualMaximumEmployeeContribution"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DependentCareSpendingAccountAnnualMaximumEmployeeContribution_0bdbe908-6243-44ca-b866-07393d03a60c" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer_48780927-d3f5-4c62-b848-bbde3661022c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualContributionsByEmployer_48780927-d3f5-4c62-b848-bbde3661022c" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferralAmount_079444e3-6247-4622-8274-0f3d2f21f4c4" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferralAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualDeferralAmount_079444e3-6247-4622-8274-0f3d2f21f4c4" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_1c325473-20fc-4a17-8c6d-104ba4b4a815" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_1c325473-20fc-4a17-8c6d-104ba4b4a815" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsCreditArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_a7d8c8b6-f7c8-48b4-be27-da1eebc7fde1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsCreditArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_PensionPlansAbstract_ec1e4e2b-0124-47c7-a362-b5ebaaab006f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostsCreditArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_a7d8c8b6-f7c8-48b4-be27-da1eebc7fde1" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_87fd4c03-4e62-498b-a313-c1792fd78334" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5b70218d-6cca-410b-b02b-e98eb24e4e84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_87fd4c03-4e62-498b-a313-c1792fd78334" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_85eb773f-864f-4ceb-bd1b-e17e635b7dec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_87fd4c03-4e62-498b-a313-c1792fd78334" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_85eb773f-864f-4ceb-bd1b-e17e635b7dec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_85eb773f-864f-4ceb-bd1b-e17e635b7dec_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_85eb773f-864f-4ceb-bd1b-e17e635b7dec" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_85eb773f-864f-4ceb-bd1b-e17e635b7dec_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_cfd0886e-7f66-44c9-8c08-daa27773ea48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_85eb773f-864f-4ceb-bd1b-e17e635b7dec" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_cfd0886e-7f66-44c9-8c08-daa27773ea48" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSEmployeesMember_d3b4b914-60d5-4c41-bcbb-86f8bc6ced91" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSEmployeesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_cfd0886e-7f66-44c9-8c08-daa27773ea48" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSEmployeesMember_d3b4b914-60d5-4c41-bcbb-86f8bc6ced91" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ExecutivesAndNonEmployeeDirectorsMember_70ba9e78-2b2f-4019-98b6-a8d093f57121" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ExecutivesAndNonEmployeeDirectorsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_cfd0886e-7f66-44c9-8c08-daa27773ea48" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ExecutivesAndNonEmployeeDirectorsMember_70ba9e78-2b2f-4019-98b6-a8d093f57121" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fa4b733-ca14-4f97-9c39-a0a4bb830ac6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_87fd4c03-4e62-498b-a313-c1792fd78334" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fa4b733-ca14-4f97-9c39-a0a4bb830ac6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1fa4b733-ca14-4f97-9c39-a0a4bb830ac6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fa4b733-ca14-4f97-9c39-a0a4bb830ac6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1fa4b733-ca14-4f97-9c39-a0a4bb830ac6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_bd139340-50b8-4410-a6b9-bf8071e8f3fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fa4b733-ca14-4f97-9c39-a0a4bb830ac6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_bd139340-50b8-4410-a6b9-bf8071e8f3fd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_f78d0cd2-7f7d-4003-a527-8d32fbfc5edd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_bd139340-50b8-4410-a6b9-bf8071e8f3fd" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_f78d0cd2-7f7d-4003-a527-8d32fbfc5edd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_3e7f3759-19fb-48a9-8081-4fcf93e3e15d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_bd139340-50b8-4410-a6b9-bf8071e8f3fd" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_3e7f3759-19fb-48a9-8081-4fcf93e3e15d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3f808c76-d488-4c73-8714-202a62f14fa8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_87fd4c03-4e62-498b-a313-c1792fd78334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3f808c76-d488-4c73-8714-202a62f14fa8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3f808c76-d488-4c73-8714-202a62f14fa8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3f808c76-d488-4c73-8714-202a62f14fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3f808c76-d488-4c73-8714-202a62f14fa8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10052482-6fed-4ccb-ae92-c0342658fbb9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3f808c76-d488-4c73-8714-202a62f14fa8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10052482-6fed-4ccb-ae92-c0342658fbb9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_51e223d8-585d-47a9-8ce4-5d3514ed926f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10052482-6fed-4ccb-ae92-c0342658fbb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_51e223d8-585d-47a9-8ce4-5d3514ed926f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_e8de66e2-cd94-4802-a428-f9649ad6586e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10052482-6fed-4ccb-ae92-c0342658fbb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_e8de66e2-cd94-4802-a428-f9649ad6586e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_af0993da-3c07-4862-9d7b-e5cbcc4615aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_87fd4c03-4e62-498b-a313-c1792fd78334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_af0993da-3c07-4862-9d7b-e5cbcc4615aa" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_af0993da-3c07-4862-9d7b-e5cbcc4615aa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_af0993da-3c07-4862-9d7b-e5cbcc4615aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_af0993da-3c07-4862-9d7b-e5cbcc4615aa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_8a2e2751-e388-4e04-9f74-3af657229dbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_af0993da-3c07-4862-9d7b-e5cbcc4615aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_8a2e2751-e388-4e04-9f74-3af657229dbf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualByTypeOfCompensationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsMember_b5615a7c-8f56-4f9c-a64f-cf3d691cb6d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualByTypeOfCompensationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_8a2e2751-e388-4e04-9f74-3af657229dbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualByTypeOfCompensationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsMember_b5615a7c-8f56-4f9c-a64f-cf3d691cb6d9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_38a12a0a-b8ec-491e-8500-9bd4208bdc14" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_87fd4c03-4e62-498b-a313-c1792fd78334" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_38a12a0a-b8ec-491e-8500-9bd4208bdc14" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_38a12a0a-b8ec-491e-8500-9bd4208bdc14_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_38a12a0a-b8ec-491e-8500-9bd4208bdc14" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_38a12a0a-b8ec-491e-8500-9bd4208bdc14_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78db1570-dcfa-403a-aa7f-1f933c0d5ddf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_38a12a0a-b8ec-491e-8500-9bd4208bdc14" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78db1570-dcfa-403a-aa7f-1f933c0d5ddf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterServiceInc.Member_f6e67105-8ddc-4663-b02b-d0dd0039f21b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ConnecticutWaterServiceInc.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78db1570-dcfa-403a-aa7f-1f933c0d5ddf" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ConnecticutWaterServiceInc.Member_f6e67105-8ddc-4663-b02b-d0dd0039f21b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansFairValueofPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansFairValueofPlanAssetsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansFairValueofPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i4379407260f247579fc4c6ded0184bd4_BenefitPlansFairValueofPlanAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_00923c7a-f8a0-4096-9a2c-b7280a8e3150" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_290a7786-1551-4ef6-aa83-823656226535" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_00923c7a-f8a0-4096-9a2c-b7280a8e3150" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_290a7786-1551-4ef6-aa83-823656226535" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7ef23237-2cf8-4356-b462-2bf4212b420c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_00923c7a-f8a0-4096-9a2c-b7280a8e3150" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7ef23237-2cf8-4356-b462-2bf4212b420c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_33a155af-600b-40e6-86c2-5504be891dca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7ef23237-2cf8-4356-b462-2bf4212b420c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_33a155af-600b-40e6-86c2-5504be891dca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_33a155af-600b-40e6-86c2-5504be891dca_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_33a155af-600b-40e6-86c2-5504be891dca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_33a155af-600b-40e6-86c2-5504be891dca_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_f4e1db9c-69cb-4174-86ba-48e2578ac758" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_33a155af-600b-40e6-86c2-5504be891dca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_f4e1db9c-69cb-4174-86ba-48e2578ac758" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_6f7350da-09ac-48ba-bad4-f853c2f6fe26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_f4e1db9c-69cb-4174-86ba-48e2578ac758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_6f7350da-09ac-48ba-bad4-f853c2f6fe26" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_c296a4a9-9c65-4471-85da-575e2c83980c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7ef23237-2cf8-4356-b462-2bf4212b420c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_c296a4a9-9c65-4471-85da-575e2c83980c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_c296a4a9-9c65-4471-85da-575e2c83980c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_c296a4a9-9c65-4471-85da-575e2c83980c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_c296a4a9-9c65-4471-85da-575e2c83980c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_f1b13c6e-ad91-4e0f-8e89-b4848f39cf02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_c296a4a9-9c65-4471-85da-575e2c83980c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_f1b13c6e-ad91-4e0f-8e89-b4848f39cf02" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_37e7045d-0665-4e27-8e8e-c4b0cab52df9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_f1b13c6e-ad91-4e0f-8e89-b4848f39cf02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_37e7045d-0665-4e27-8e8e-c4b0cab52df9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MutualFundMember_0e623694-0eac-4976-a908-0ae8c9d25b3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MutualFundMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_f1b13c6e-ad91-4e0f-8e89-b4848f39cf02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MutualFundMember_0e623694-0eac-4976-a908-0ae8c9d25b3e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_bd8f3a06-5dc5-44cd-9657-1173bfc90ae5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_f1b13c6e-ad91-4e0f-8e89-b4848f39cf02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_bd8f3a06-5dc5-44cd-9657-1173bfc90ae5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_294ffbd7-67be-4268-bf06-6f79fb6e30c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7ef23237-2cf8-4356-b462-2bf4212b420c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_294ffbd7-67be-4268-bf06-6f79fb6e30c1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_294ffbd7-67be-4268-bf06-6f79fb6e30c1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_294ffbd7-67be-4268-bf06-6f79fb6e30c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_294ffbd7-67be-4268-bf06-6f79fb6e30c1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_749f276c-77c1-41e9-9681-4f2a6655f748" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_294ffbd7-67be-4268-bf06-6f79fb6e30c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_749f276c-77c1-41e9-9681-4f2a6655f748" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_47e37534-66a8-4303-93b7-edb01c2dac15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_749f276c-77c1-41e9-9681-4f2a6655f748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_47e37534-66a8-4303-93b7-edb01c2dac15" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_68800127-ec3a-4146-a78b-fe73f953f26b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_749f276c-77c1-41e9-9681-4f2a6655f748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_68800127-ec3a-4146-a78b-fe73f953f26b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_21614813-6028-4f1c-8f21-2cb3c8d29d22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_749f276c-77c1-41e9-9681-4f2a6655f748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_21614813-6028-4f1c-8f21-2cb3c8d29d22" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansActuarialCalculationAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansActuarialCalculationAssumptionsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansActuarialCalculationAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ia969daadf8534ead9bd899f25a530e83_BenefitPlansActuarialCalculationAssumptionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5d5ef4f9-cef8-451b-865f-735a4975b6d2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_5c65177a-c329-4ab6-97a7-a87a1797ed99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5d5ef4f9-cef8-451b-865f-735a4975b6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_5c65177a-c329-4ab6-97a7-a87a1797ed99" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_472a051e-9acd-4f3c-8eb9-b3972a61d3b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5d5ef4f9-cef8-451b-865f-735a4975b6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_472a051e-9acd-4f3c-8eb9-b3972a61d3b5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_bab1638e-db9d-486c-9450-60c92e4ba627" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5d5ef4f9-cef8-451b-865f-735a4975b6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_bab1638e-db9d-486c-9450-60c92e4ba627" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_2a8d4df3-f000-45c8-8506-7e5e12db1055" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5d5ef4f9-cef8-451b-865f-735a4975b6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_2a8d4df3-f000-45c8-8506-7e5e12db1055" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_e1a9930f-d5e7-4e9b-b801-f2a111d33375" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5d5ef4f9-cef8-451b-865f-735a4975b6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_e1a9930f-d5e7-4e9b-b801-f2a111d33375" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5dcfb0e7-54e6-49d8-a519-16be48aa7add" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_5d5ef4f9-cef8-451b-865f-735a4975b6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5dcfb0e7-54e6-49d8-a519-16be48aa7add" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_2e2e6093-f292-4c3f-a804-d7937ea15965" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5dcfb0e7-54e6-49d8-a519-16be48aa7add" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_2e2e6093-f292-4c3f-a804-d7937ea15965" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2e2e6093-f292-4c3f-a804-d7937ea15965_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_2e2e6093-f292-4c3f-a804-d7937ea15965" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2e2e6093-f292-4c3f-a804-d7937ea15965_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_355dc760-5fd0-489f-8e18-d441805258bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_2e2e6093-f292-4c3f-a804-d7937ea15965" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_355dc760-5fd0-489f-8e18-d441805258bd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_e01a88a4-1fc2-480e-ba28-ceb65a2cdb84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_355dc760-5fd0-489f-8e18-d441805258bd" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_e01a88a4-1fc2-480e-ba28-ceb65a2cdb84" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_867229b1-ebee-41db-a0d8-0747913b4c25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_355dc760-5fd0-489f-8e18-d441805258bd" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_867229b1-ebee-41db-a0d8-0747913b4c25" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_7c22aadc-0af3-41aa-9c5e-b29ed2e672ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5dcfb0e7-54e6-49d8-a519-16be48aa7add" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_7c22aadc-0af3-41aa-9c5e-b29ed2e672ce" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7c22aadc-0af3-41aa-9c5e-b29ed2e672ce_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_7c22aadc-0af3-41aa-9c5e-b29ed2e672ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7c22aadc-0af3-41aa-9c5e-b29ed2e672ce_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0772d03e-52a4-46c5-8c2f-29b064874280" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_7c22aadc-0af3-41aa-9c5e-b29ed2e672ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0772d03e-52a4-46c5-8c2f-29b064874280" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_f36ddee4-7b83-4593-b6b7-51949c65ae52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0772d03e-52a4-46c5-8c2f-29b064874280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_f36ddee4-7b83-4593-b6b7-51949c65ae52" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4078a4aa-45f0-49a9-85e5-3631e25f2f8f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0772d03e-52a4-46c5-8c2f-29b064874280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4078a4aa-45f0-49a9-85e5-3631e25f2f8f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i55b599575db247b69879ff14ccaf149b_BenefitPlansNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_c0e524b5-32a6-4e47-8102-c4ab50fe8985" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_c0e524b5-32a6-4e47-8102-c4ab50fe8985" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_104972fa-4fa2-4e33-9112-717920b0328e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_104972fa-4fa2-4e33-9112-717920b0328e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_796afca0-aa7e-4a33-9168-c0d2fb397345" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_796afca0-aa7e-4a33-9168-c0d2fb397345" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_a168511b-f52b-4776-86a4-3ea2406a3f19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_a168511b-f52b-4776-86a4-3ea2406a3f19" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlementsAndCurtailments1_0a3b5023-55b5-4c3f-be6d-5c97b85932d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlementsAndCurtailments1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlementsAndCurtailments1_0a3b5023-55b5-4c3f-be6d-5c97b85932d7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossImmediateRecognitionAsComponentInNetPeriodicBenefitCostCredit_4316dce0-035c-4e83-b020-55e41f268830" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossImmediateRecognitionAsComponentInNetPeriodicBenefitCostCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossImmediateRecognitionAsComponentInNetPeriodicBenefitCostCredit_4316dce0-035c-4e83-b020-55e41f268830" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_7d17f619-7ea8-48bd-ad14-b5bedeb644e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_7d17f619-7ea8-48bd-ad14-b5bedeb644e2" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_cf305679-7719-4e6d-8104-a9163b8238d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8477819d-894a-4162-8d85-02535a4ef4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_cf305679-7719-4e6d-8104-a9163b8238d5" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_50be54bb-892d-4b2e-94b3-fb189e8eb257" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_cf305679-7719-4e6d-8104-a9163b8238d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_50be54bb-892d-4b2e-94b3-fb189e8eb257" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_50be54bb-892d-4b2e-94b3-fb189e8eb257_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_50be54bb-892d-4b2e-94b3-fb189e8eb257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_50be54bb-892d-4b2e-94b3-fb189e8eb257_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c6f0394f-8ff2-4880-9767-1540277f9ba1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_50be54bb-892d-4b2e-94b3-fb189e8eb257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c6f0394f-8ff2-4880-9767-1540277f9ba1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_5f7bf306-8de3-4d9b-bff4-49ab9a31c240" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c6f0394f-8ff2-4880-9767-1540277f9ba1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_5f7bf306-8de3-4d9b-bff4-49ab9a31c240" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_a94c5bdb-abc3-4060-88c5-d4ef41f8e2bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c6f0394f-8ff2-4880-9767-1540277f9ba1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_a94c5bdb-abc3-4060-88c5-d4ef41f8e2bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansReconciliationofFundedStatusDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansReconciliationofFundedStatusDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansReconciliationofFundedStatusDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="if445ea03a4964e90b8c0c7198a5f5ad2_BenefitPlansReconciliationofFundedStatusDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_9a429c13-a3da-46eb-b0f4-b0cbe9ee969a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_9a429c13-a3da-46eb-b0f4-b0cbe9ee969a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_6c7618b6-36f5-487e-9c6f-30367cc1e5f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_6c7618b6-36f5-487e-9c6f-30367cc1e5f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_66328314-48d2-4b13-b5ec-f37c9023692d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_66328314-48d2-4b13-b5ec-f37c9023692d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_5b761cbb-5b9c-491f-a2d7-a41fe2821bc6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_5b761cbb-5b9c-491f-a2d7-a41fe2821bc6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_87081b32-e768-4760-9d7d-045ed36de7b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_87081b32-e768-4760-9d7d-045ed36de7b8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanImplicitRateSubsidy_7324391d-f093-4fa3-99cd-2d8fefcb1965" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanImplicitRateSubsidy"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_sjw_DefinedBenefitPlanImplicitRateSubsidy_7324391d-f093-4fa3-99cd-2d8fefcb1965" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant_3b2a59a9-2253-40f8-acfe-c891cc92c6e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant_3b2a59a9-2253-40f8-acfe-c891cc92c6e5" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges_f6feb7c4-8d51-4ffc-87d2-7e3478454d12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges_f6feb7c4-8d51-4ffc-87d2-7e3478454d12" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid_fdbc77e9-45a3-447a-bf94-5dddb032cc73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_cd492ef1-14f6-400a-9c75-ad2a1b00e030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid_fdbc77e9-45a3-447a-bf94-5dddb032cc73" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_54b98add-ac06-4b48-844c-4740920e0e27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_9a429c13-a3da-46eb-b0f4-b0cbe9ee969a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_9b9db00f-caad-469d-aebf-2997c93f6a21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_9b9db00f-caad-469d-aebf-2997c93f6a21" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_009bf610-8a4a-4559-ac40-3d1ba9cfc512" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_009bf610-8a4a-4559-ac40-3d1ba9cfc512" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_4849157f-add3-48a6-ba5b-7cffbf0c6faa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_4849157f-add3-48a6-ba5b-7cffbf0c6faa" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant_0b21a936-71c4-4b3c-af21-0bf8515fadc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant_0b21a936-71c4-4b3c-af21-0bf8515fadc4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses_e6c25634-89e7-4d9f-bfcb-5fc2eb12b3bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdministrationExpenses_e6c25634-89e7-4d9f-bfcb-5fc2eb12b3bd" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid_ac36853f-429b-4509-97cf-214c34d25f03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_92c5472b-a680-4e93-a7c9-2e7cde1aff93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid_ac36853f-429b-4509-97cf-214c34d25f03" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_29dcb8de-8f03-45b0-8a9e-f2c52577e967" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_3835d037-6515-485a-bff3-fdeec13d3a09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_9a429c13-a3da-46eb-b0f4-b0cbe9ee969a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_3835d037-6515-485a-bff3-fdeec13d3a09" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_a5e217b3-54cd-4d42-b404-8974b22182f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_9a429c13-a3da-46eb-b0f4-b0cbe9ee969a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_a5e217b3-54cd-4d42-b404-8974b22182f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_039dc595-f6c6-4e43-aad7-47499db251f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_a5e217b3-54cd-4d42-b404-8974b22182f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_039dc595-f6c6-4e43-aad7-47499db251f2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_039dc595-f6c6-4e43-aad7-47499db251f2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_039dc595-f6c6-4e43-aad7-47499db251f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_039dc595-f6c6-4e43-aad7-47499db251f2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_1a43c403-0e45-488c-8d85-7732e2b905a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_039dc595-f6c6-4e43-aad7-47499db251f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_1a43c403-0e45-488c-8d85-7732e2b905a3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4ea773f5-ffe7-4056-9407-1dbf54003602" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_1a43c403-0e45-488c-8d85-7732e2b905a3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4ea773f5-ffe7-4056-9407-1dbf54003602" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_013f0312-8978-4d30-931c-21e85fd76efe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_1a43c403-0e45-488c-8d85-7732e2b905a3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_013f0312-8978-4d30-931c-21e85fd76efe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansAmountsRecognizedinBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansAmountsRecognizedinBalanceSheetDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansAmountsRecognizedinBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i52efde8b226449598a637fe213a21fbe_BenefitPlansAmountsRecognizedinBalanceSheetDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c4ec26a6-6526-490a-b5fc-d5423dfa2887" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_cbe8729a-ec63-4c26-bf2d-7dbfb37901c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c4ec26a6-6526-490a-b5fc-d5423dfa2887" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_cbe8729a-ec63-4c26-bf2d-7dbfb37901c0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_93e2dec9-0335-4d7e-bb56-99871d80ebbd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c4ec26a6-6526-490a-b5fc-d5423dfa2887" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_93e2dec9-0335-4d7e-bb56-99871d80ebbd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_6e4dc0a4-202e-4408-bf27-751724a54c6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c4ec26a6-6526-490a-b5fc-d5423dfa2887" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_6e4dc0a4-202e-4408-bf27-751724a54c6f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet_64f6912a-ae3e-486a-b120-2b0666280ed9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c4ec26a6-6526-490a-b5fc-d5423dfa2887" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet_64f6912a-ae3e-486a-b120-2b0666280ed9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4af5ff5f-adbb-41ad-a102-3150eb7ed466" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_c4ec26a6-6526-490a-b5fc-d5423dfa2887" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4af5ff5f-adbb-41ad-a102-3150eb7ed466" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_0e081884-8f2e-4134-9aaf-1d47a643e748" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4af5ff5f-adbb-41ad-a102-3150eb7ed466" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_0e081884-8f2e-4134-9aaf-1d47a643e748" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0e081884-8f2e-4134-9aaf-1d47a643e748_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_0e081884-8f2e-4134-9aaf-1d47a643e748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_0e081884-8f2e-4134-9aaf-1d47a643e748_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_6184aed8-3809-4f43-86da-82cfa123e85f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_0e081884-8f2e-4134-9aaf-1d47a643e748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_6184aed8-3809-4f43-86da-82cfa123e85f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_b75fe0bc-cb27-41aa-ba87-21488ca75d0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_6184aed8-3809-4f43-86da-82cfa123e85f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_b75fe0bc-cb27-41aa-ba87-21488ca75d0e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_5e3ce0d6-43cd-44c3-ac98-5db740bfcea8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_6184aed8-3809-4f43-86da-82cfa123e85f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_5e3ce0d6-43cd-44c3-ac98-5db740bfcea8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansRegulatoryAssetDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansRegulatoryAssetDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansRegulatoryAssetDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i0b114e9aaad04809b6fcd8bd7b9e4f5f_BenefitPlansRegulatoryAssetDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_efcac874-9769-49da-a116-aa2c762ade33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RegulatoryAssetsFundedStatusOfObligation_e9739d9c-cc48-4b57-a36e-e2e155753df9" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RegulatoryAssetsFundedStatusOfObligation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_efcac874-9769-49da-a116-aa2c762ade33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RegulatoryAssetsFundedStatusOfObligation_e9739d9c-cc48-4b57-a36e-e2e155753df9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RegulatoryLiabilitiesAccruedBenefitCost_9ddf6c69-0da3-4647-b24b-26ce41adc320" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RegulatoryLiabilitiesAccruedBenefitCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_efcac874-9769-49da-a116-aa2c762ade33" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RegulatoryLiabilitiesAccruedBenefitCost_9ddf6c69-0da3-4647-b24b-26ce41adc320" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_65493bfa-c9d2-475d-adb1-0b2beaa20294" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_efcac874-9769-49da-a116-aa2c762ade33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_65493bfa-c9d2-475d-adb1-0b2beaa20294" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_0c48e0ef-2f7a-4b32-b77b-dedb67c87882" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_efcac874-9769-49da-a116-aa2c762ade33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_0c48e0ef-2f7a-4b32-b77b-dedb67c87882" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_a7147fca-d4cd-45ee-93ed-ba23818ea2ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_0c48e0ef-2f7a-4b32-b77b-dedb67c87882" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_a7147fca-d4cd-45ee-93ed-ba23818ea2ba" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_a7147fca-d4cd-45ee-93ed-ba23818ea2ba_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_a7147fca-d4cd-45ee-93ed-ba23818ea2ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_a7147fca-d4cd-45ee-93ed-ba23818ea2ba_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_85d5e24a-6277-4347-a200-fe9d451269a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_a7147fca-d4cd-45ee-93ed-ba23818ea2ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_85d5e24a-6277-4347-a200-fe9d451269a8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PostretirementPensionsAndOtherMedicalBenefitsMember_37529dbd-a832-47cd-a03c-fdf5ddc474aa" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PostretirementPensionsAndOtherMedicalBenefitsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_85d5e24a-6277-4347-a200-fe9d451269a8" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PostretirementPensionsAndOtherMedicalBenefitsMember_37529dbd-a832-47cd-a03c-fdf5ddc474aa" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansPlanAssetsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i455b49e5444a4365bdb37b6f01b11dcf_BenefitPlansPlanAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dca990a-a7b1-4da7-a2a9-3a023018f825" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_69c5abaf-8813-4399-ba43-c023f36060cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dca990a-a7b1-4da7-a2a9-3a023018f825" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_69c5abaf-8813-4399-ba43-c023f36060cf" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_1d2d56da-0c17-4209-91a8-e8e0ce6b6e8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dca990a-a7b1-4da7-a2a9-3a023018f825" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_1d2d56da-0c17-4209-91a8-e8e0ce6b6e8b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_c695ce19-3f37-4ba2-8f83-fcb5f3110f75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dca990a-a7b1-4da7-a2a9-3a023018f825" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_c695ce19-3f37-4ba2-8f83-fcb5f3110f75" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90b520f6-f0c2-4c51-8221-b00050a6690c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_c695ce19-3f37-4ba2-8f83-fcb5f3110f75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90b520f6-f0c2-4c51-8221-b00050a6690c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_90b520f6-f0c2-4c51-8221-b00050a6690c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90b520f6-f0c2-4c51-8221-b00050a6690c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_90b520f6-f0c2-4c51-8221-b00050a6690c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3b9950dc-73d3-44f9-b782-68708e6d9643" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_90b520f6-f0c2-4c51-8221-b00050a6690c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3b9950dc-73d3-44f9-b782-68708e6d9643" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_9412e247-ecb6-434b-bde1-f2d6d1d6bb75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3b9950dc-73d3-44f9-b782-68708e6d9643" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_9412e247-ecb6-434b-bde1-f2d6d1d6bb75" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_377a1b6a-9310-4e39-b2fd-b0e3045b350c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3b9950dc-73d3-44f9-b782-68708e6d9643" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_377a1b6a-9310-4e39-b2fd-b0e3045b350c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_61903ded-837a-4088-9856-b31cff532793" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_c695ce19-3f37-4ba2-8f83-fcb5f3110f75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_61903ded-837a-4088-9856-b31cff532793" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_61903ded-837a-4088-9856-b31cff532793_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_61903ded-837a-4088-9856-b31cff532793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_61903ded-837a-4088-9856-b31cff532793_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7735f11e-230a-4b87-be5a-43d5ff9135c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_61903ded-837a-4088-9856-b31cff532793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7735f11e-230a-4b87-be5a-43d5ff9135c1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember_6bbcf119-d30a-4771-a5e5-507d300b94d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7735f11e-230a-4b87-be5a-43d5ff9135c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember_6bbcf119-d30a-4771-a5e5-507d300b94d9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember_c870d254-765b-4120-a0d0-69133e48dcbc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7735f11e-230a-4b87-be5a-43d5ff9135c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember_c870d254-765b-4120-a0d0-69133e48dcbc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_66c39d3d-d0f8-4983-8aea-bc43515c5afa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7735f11e-230a-4b87-be5a-43d5ff9135c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_66c39d3d-d0f8-4983-8aea-bc43515c5afa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_d0d6f0cd-d1a9-4233-b38a-ecff6ed1995d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7735f11e-230a-4b87-be5a-43d5ff9135c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_d0d6f0cd-d1a9-4233-b38a-ecff6ed1995d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_a563dab8-4e22-4704-a558-1fb837b6d0bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_c695ce19-3f37-4ba2-8f83-fcb5f3110f75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_a563dab8-4e22-4704-a558-1fb837b6d0bf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_a563dab8-4e22-4704-a558-1fb837b6d0bf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_a563dab8-4e22-4704-a558-1fb837b6d0bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_a563dab8-4e22-4704-a558-1fb837b6d0bf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0745aa46-a1b2-4820-95e1-b6ccbbd3abae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_a563dab8-4e22-4704-a558-1fb837b6d0bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0745aa46-a1b2-4820-95e1-b6ccbbd3abae" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_2e9233ee-b89a-42f5-9179-9b3bceb18021" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0745aa46-a1b2-4820-95e1-b6ccbbd3abae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_2e9233ee-b89a-42f5-9179-9b3bceb18021" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_f3ca17c3-9c45-4336-89e0-e7f0380e4a30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0745aa46-a1b2-4820-95e1-b6ccbbd3abae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_f3ca17c3-9c45-4336-89e0-e7f0380e4a30" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_d5c497e1-fca0-4782-88cc-e535fd1fcd81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0745aa46-a1b2-4820-95e1-b6ccbbd3abae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_d5c497e1-fca0-4782-88cc-e535fd1fcd81" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansBenefitsExpectedtobePaidinNextFiveYearsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BenefitPlansBenefitsExpectedtobePaidinNextFiveYearsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BenefitPlansBenefitsExpectedtobePaidinNextFiveYearsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i4f24922ac10246c09770b1c6ab4993e0_BenefitPlansBenefitsExpectedtobePaidinNextFiveYearsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dde1bde-4b17-45c9-ae2b-79ce064cdf45" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear_3020ed85-3932-4376-9135-798f8b3bfe3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dde1bde-4b17-45c9-ae2b-79ce064cdf45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear_3020ed85-3932-4376-9135-798f8b3bfe3b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dde1bde-4b17-45c9-ae2b-79ce064cdf45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_f4e9e846-50e3-4e06-ab94-a2ca3a58f66d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_f4e9e846-50e3-4e06-ab94-a2ca3a58f66d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_d83e62e4-3a00-42b0-9634-3281f0bd6824" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_d83e62e4-3a00-42b0-9634-3281f0bd6824" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_d1b6ad87-6e51-4324-b843-640cc2bd14d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_d1b6ad87-6e51-4324-b843-640cc2bd14d4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_1cbdc7b0-26de-45e9-a156-7243d6df65b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_1cbdc7b0-26de-45e9-a156-7243d6df65b5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_adb01766-1e81-4963-b6d6-4c37e8838c74" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_adb01766-1e81-4963-b6d6-4c37e8838c74" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_f63ef340-324e-4531-a724-6acaf58f002c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_be776a20-17ad-4793-88f6-49f231a5307d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_f63ef340-324e-4531-a724-6acaf58f002c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7a5e49cc-1c35-459a-9271-96def0a767fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_8dde1bde-4b17-45c9-ae2b-79ce064cdf45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7a5e49cc-1c35-459a-9271-96def0a767fb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_09bceb5c-8336-4633-8096-bab7d447a713" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7a5e49cc-1c35-459a-9271-96def0a767fb" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_09bceb5c-8336-4633-8096-bab7d447a713" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_09bceb5c-8336-4633-8096-bab7d447a713_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_09bceb5c-8336-4633-8096-bab7d447a713" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_09bceb5c-8336-4633-8096-bab7d447a713_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2a7789f0-6d30-4c4e-a1c1-e9a1e1b2554c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_09bceb5c-8336-4633-8096-bab7d447a713" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2a7789f0-6d30-4c4e-a1c1-e9a1e1b2554c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_bf3682da-b35d-4a1a-bd0e-e01a1c58c5d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2a7789f0-6d30-4c4e-a1c1-e9a1e1b2554c" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_bf3682da-b35d-4a1a-bd0e-e01a1c58c5d7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_aa25eb1d-2da1-4ea5-93ed-f432d6781307" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_7a5e49cc-1c35-459a-9271-96def0a767fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_aa25eb1d-2da1-4ea5-93ed-f432d6781307" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_aa25eb1d-2da1-4ea5-93ed-f432d6781307_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_aa25eb1d-2da1-4ea5-93ed-f432d6781307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_aa25eb1d-2da1-4ea5-93ed-f432d6781307_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ae9eaf09-a691-42c7-a530-7eeeed724aa0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_aa25eb1d-2da1-4ea5-93ed-f432d6781307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ae9eaf09-a691-42c7-a530-7eeeed724aa0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_0ea9e91a-82ee-47b3-be55-80430bf7318e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ae9eaf09-a691-42c7-a530-7eeeed724aa0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_0ea9e91a-82ee-47b3-be55-80430bf7318e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_76f8b937-30ab-4215-aeda-187b08e2a1e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ae9eaf09-a691-42c7-a530-7eeeed724aa0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_76f8b937-30ab-4215-aeda-187b08e2a1e5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/EquityPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#EquityPlansNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/EquityPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i7f342b2f451c450385da7d229282b3ee_EquityPlansNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_00ac99ae-3135-4af8-b32a-fd4327ef5875" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_00ac99ae-3135-4af8-b32a-fd4327ef5875" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee_6ad9d71a-2058-413e-a690-27d2aedd480d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee_6ad9d71a-2058-413e-a690-27d2aedd480d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedPursuantToPlan_92ac40c1-c5bc-489d-9e32-9f61d596b99b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedPursuantToPlan"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedPursuantToPlan_92ac40c1-c5bc-489d-9e32-9f61d596b99b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuableUponExercise_5ca88a49-88f0-4a3c-ade3-2f85233f1df7" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuableUponExercise"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuableUponExercise_5ca88a49-88f0-4a3c-ade3-2f85233f1df7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_af4abe39-d4f3-4cbe-adb0-63eedd7fb7c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_af4abe39-d4f3-4cbe-adb0-63eedd7fb7c2" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedGrantDateFairValue_d589098b-e1bd-4bbb-a6ae-fe9131e9c237" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedGrantDateFairValue_d589098b-e1bd-4bbb-a6ae-fe9131e9c237" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_48e4734a-3983-4842-8c07-577be9fcd299" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_48e4734a-3983-4842-8c07-577be9fcd299" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_89bd8911-ee0f-4ead-addb-46bb2e876fa6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_89bd8911-ee0f-4ead-addb-46bb2e876fa6" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedIssuedIntrinsicValue_88cb82a4-d4e6-43ad-b5e4-82866e592adc" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedIssuedIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedIssuedIntrinsicValue_88cb82a4-d4e6-43ad-b5e4-82866e592adc" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_0d95b0ec-2c98-4aed-ad1d-b2a84b6b8015" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_0d95b0ec-2c98-4aed-ad1d-b2a84b6b8015" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedVestedBalance_31e7f094-604f-4876-94ed-950a3debca9c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedVestedBalance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedVestedBalance_31e7f094-604f-4876-94ed-950a3debca9c" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedOutstandingBalance_3ad393fd-e584-48f0-b374-4991abff3c8f" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedOutstandingBalance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAwardsPerformancebasedOutstandingBalance_3ad393fd-e584-48f0-b374-4991abff3c8f" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_82822b00-db84-4bd9-adcc-94bba179b801" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_82822b00-db84-4bd9-adcc-94bba179b801" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscriptionRate_fe9d76a9-1da6-44ea-a013-e3995dbbd63f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscriptionRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscriptionRate_fe9d76a9-1da6-44ea-a013-e3995dbbd63f" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_NumberPurchaseIntervalsForEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_b740b7c1-ba75-47ec-825d-fa550c686a23" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_NumberPurchaseIntervalsForEmployeeStockPurchasePlan"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_NumberPurchaseIntervalsForEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_b740b7c1-ba75-47ec-825d-fa550c686a23" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_49ee90a1-7b32-4660-bfe1-c77cf3e2360f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_49ee90a1-7b32-4660-bfe1-c77cf3e2360f" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense_5d2f881c-1d6a-4ecb-9d93-5e1d1dca8eea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense_5d2f881c-1d6a-4ecb-9d93-5e1d1dca8eea" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable_ff0c31aa-3201-42be-a8b6-f5fda0d93244" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityLineItems_02c72fce-2ed3-446f-966b-3f77f0daa46d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable_ff0c31aa-3201-42be-a8b6-f5fda0d93244" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_b15b342a-1dd2-448a-82e7-50e290b68135" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable_ff0c31aa-3201-42be-a8b6-f5fda0d93244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_b15b342a-1dd2-448a-82e7-50e290b68135" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b15b342a-1dd2-448a-82e7-50e290b68135_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_b15b342a-1dd2-448a-82e7-50e290b68135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_b15b342a-1dd2-448a-82e7-50e290b68135_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d5dae71f-5c8f-4ecd-890f-bd98a7eee355" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_b15b342a-1dd2-448a-82e7-50e290b68135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d5dae71f-5c8f-4ecd-890f-bd98a7eee355" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_e23cd490-0101-4f34-b027-d83cd64a247a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d5dae71f-5c8f-4ecd-890f-bd98a7eee355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_e23cd490-0101-4f34-b027-d83cd64a247a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_b49d488d-0419-467e-96af-2c79618a9115" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable_ff0c31aa-3201-42be-a8b6-f5fda0d93244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_b49d488d-0419-467e-96af-2c79618a9115" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_b49d488d-0419-467e-96af-2c79618a9115_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_b49d488d-0419-467e-96af-2c79618a9115" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_b49d488d-0419-467e-96af-2c79618a9115_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_9a67e139-8e53-436a-b22e-a9f9bbc97ce8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_b49d488d-0419-467e-96af-2c79618a9115" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_9a67e139-8e53-436a-b22e-a9f9bbc97ce8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IncentivePlanMember_d1667002-4f4f-49e1-b1f6-e5c1a9b6ae15" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IncentivePlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_9a67e139-8e53-436a-b22e-a9f9bbc97ce8" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IncentivePlanMember_d1667002-4f4f-49e1-b1f6-e5c1a9b6ae15" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_62464209-1d94-4c99-aacb-9869bbacd521" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_9a67e139-8e53-436a-b22e-a9f9bbc97ce8" xlink:to="loc_sjw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_62464209-1d94-4c99-aacb-9869bbacd521" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a506354d-6356-46df-8f50-b6f49fb55ba4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable_ff0c31aa-3201-42be-a8b6-f5fda0d93244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a506354d-6356-46df-8f50-b6f49fb55ba4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a506354d-6356-46df-8f50-b6f49fb55ba4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a506354d-6356-46df-8f50-b6f49fb55ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a506354d-6356-46df-8f50-b6f49fb55ba4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9de0f011-2e40-4ad0-9c6c-06f67449f5d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a506354d-6356-46df-8f50-b6f49fb55ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9de0f011-2e40-4ad0-9c6c-06f67449f5d5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember_784423ee-abdd-4c62-9308-3cb2845cbc71" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9de0f011-2e40-4ad0-9c6c-06f67449f5d5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember_784423ee-abdd-4c62-9308-3cb2845cbc71" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_9fa4c63f-5537-4377-94a5-e119f4d3306b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9de0f011-2e40-4ad0-9c6c-06f67449f5d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_9fa4c63f-5537-4377-94a5-e119f4d3306b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_MarketbasedRSUMember_4b142d1b-faf9-41a0-ae92-32c7c5a4590f" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_MarketbasedRSUMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9de0f011-2e40-4ad0-9c6c-06f67449f5d5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_MarketbasedRSUMember_4b142d1b-faf9-41a0-ae92-32c7c5a4590f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1cf0c532-319b-4ee0-9b9c-83e66130c800" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable_ff0c31aa-3201-42be-a8b6-f5fda0d93244" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1cf0c532-319b-4ee0-9b9c-83e66130c800" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1cf0c532-319b-4ee0-9b9c-83e66130c800_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1cf0c532-319b-4ee0-9b9c-83e66130c800" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1cf0c532-319b-4ee0-9b9c-83e66130c800_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_063cd9b8-001b-4869-846d-7fb8c51085a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1cf0c532-319b-4ee0-9b9c-83e66130c800" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_063cd9b8-001b-4869-846d-7fb8c51085a8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a2076e83-3dbc-409a-ae91-43f0e7feccdc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_063cd9b8-001b-4869-846d-7fb8c51085a8" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a2076e83-3dbc-409a-ae91-43f0e7feccdc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7c375b1c-9469-4602-a0bc-1ba4d72f3858" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_063cd9b8-001b-4869-846d-7fb8c51085a8" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7c375b1c-9469-4602-a0bc-1ba4d72f3858" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_d83cc870-c0c0-4f1c-a9ba-c08d46b95ea9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityEquityTable_ff0c31aa-3201-42be-a8b6-f5fda0d93244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_d83cc870-c0c0-4f1c-a9ba-c08d46b95ea9" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_d83cc870-c0c0-4f1c-a9ba-c08d46b95ea9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_d83cc870-c0c0-4f1c-a9ba-c08d46b95ea9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_d83cc870-c0c0-4f1c-a9ba-c08d46b95ea9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_b24481ac-0b35-495c-932e-f30cd96ffdb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_d83cc870-c0c0-4f1c-a9ba-c08d46b95ea9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_b24481ac-0b35-495c-932e-f30cd96ffdb4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_8a5b92a9-eb83-46c3-96fe-e651e028e7e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_b24481ac-0b35-495c-932e-f30cd96ffdb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_8a5b92a9-eb83-46c3-96fe-e651e028e7e4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/EquityPlansScheduleofCompensationCostforSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationofSharebasedCompensationCostsbyPlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#EquityPlansScheduleofCompensationCostforSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationofSharebasedCompensationCostsbyPlanDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/EquityPlansScheduleofCompensationCostforSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationofSharebasedCompensationCostsbyPlanDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i11708c1578d643c699e920a4038fb5e2_EquityPlansScheduleofCompensationCostforSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationofSharebasedCompensationCostsbyPlanDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5187cc0d-6c13-4e73-a59c-db05434d02e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_9fc4202f-e08d-416d-ae2d-e214964e59ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5187cc0d-6c13-4e73-a59c-db05434d02e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_9fc4202f-e08d-416d-ae2d-e214964e59ab" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_0e86c3d4-7832-4b0a-a08f-92b248b3cebf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5187cc0d-6c13-4e73-a59c-db05434d02e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_0e86c3d4-7832-4b0a-a08f-92b248b3cebf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9cc028d9-c347-4dfb-a8c3-f6a8f8a3d30c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5187cc0d-6c13-4e73-a59c-db05434d02e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9cc028d9-c347-4dfb-a8c3-f6a8f8a3d30c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_002bede1-d709-403b-b989-aba794b04054" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9cc028d9-c347-4dfb-a8c3-f6a8f8a3d30c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_002bede1-d709-403b-b989-aba794b04054" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_002bede1-d709-403b-b989-aba794b04054_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_002bede1-d709-403b-b989-aba794b04054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_002bede1-d709-403b-b989-aba794b04054_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6268c0a5-4d73-4fb8-99d6-70c80c307c82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_002bede1-d709-403b-b989-aba794b04054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6268c0a5-4d73-4fb8-99d6-70c80c307c82" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_9d900002-969e-4fdd-8d4d-a343b33714a1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6268c0a5-4d73-4fb8-99d6-70c80c307c82" xlink:to="loc_sjw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_9d900002-969e-4fdd-8d4d-a343b33714a1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f0b86aef-a685-4d4a-90e5-bd1046c8df47" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9cc028d9-c347-4dfb-a8c3-f6a8f8a3d30c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f0b86aef-a685-4d4a-90e5-bd1046c8df47" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_f0b86aef-a685-4d4a-90e5-bd1046c8df47_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f0b86aef-a685-4d4a-90e5-bd1046c8df47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_f0b86aef-a685-4d4a-90e5-bd1046c8df47_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_e031b201-28e2-4804-be6c-df674aa82391" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f0b86aef-a685-4d4a-90e5-bd1046c8df47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_e031b201-28e2-4804-be6c-df674aa82391" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember_6f72ec10-1f8a-4a36-9a1a-4c0e3d64a479" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_e031b201-28e2-4804-be6c-df674aa82391" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember_6f72ec10-1f8a-4a36-9a1a-4c0e3d64a479" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/EquityPlansRestrictedStockandDeferredRestrictedStockActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#EquityPlansRestrictedStockandDeferredRestrictedStockActivityDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/EquityPlansRestrictedStockandDeferredRestrictedStockActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i6adbbcd7cbd64db48a79af38b2e0c36d_EquityPlansRestrictedStockandDeferredRestrictedStockActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_7169b6c6-9cfa-4a51-93d6-9bb31783fa59" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_7169b6c6-9cfa-4a51-93d6-9bb31783fa59" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber_6eea3562-464b-4880-9152-72735ea498c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_7169b6c6-9cfa-4a51-93d6-9bb31783fa59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber_6eea3562-464b-4880-9152-72735ea498c0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted_32a8177c-1c54-4938-92a4-0f968a22365e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_7169b6c6-9cfa-4a51-93d6-9bb31783fa59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted_32a8177c-1c54-4938-92a4-0f968a22365e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercised_2a96c7c3-d149-4ff1-a41f-e18fcac6031b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercised"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_7169b6c6-9cfa-4a51-93d6-9bb31783fa59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercised_2a96c7c3-d149-4ff1-a41f-e18fcac6031b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsForfeituresAndExpirations_39e1e327-0f7b-4a8b-80ff-d0f23e2bb863" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsForfeituresAndExpirations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_7169b6c6-9cfa-4a51-93d6-9bb31783fa59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsForfeituresAndExpirations_39e1e327-0f7b-4a8b-80ff-d0f23e2bb863" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber_da1f67cb-e8ed-468b-bf5f-0e911183f790" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsVestedNumber_9268a45f-16a2-46f7-8d11-2393421771cf" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsVestedNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsVestedNumber_9268a45f-16a2-46f7-8d11-2393421771cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForwardRollForward_e3bfbc92-e1cb-42bd-a353-e9dc8235a597" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForwardRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForwardRollForward_e3bfbc92-e1cb-42bd-a353-e9dc8235a597" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_90b7ef5e-b290-4a50-83b1-54ee0fa26bbe" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForwardRollForward_e3bfbc92-e1cb-42bd-a353-e9dc8235a597" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_90b7ef5e-b290-4a50-83b1-54ee0fa26bbe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGrantedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2be2f1ff-78e6-4cea-ab6a-f31326ab6cdf" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGrantedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForwardRollForward_e3bfbc92-e1cb-42bd-a353-e9dc8235a597" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGrantedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2be2f1ff-78e6-4cea-ab6a-f31326ab6cdf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_c84e528c-9888-41bf-8498-f65b06f9f9da" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForwardRollForward_e3bfbc92-e1cb-42bd-a353-e9dc8235a597" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_c84e528c-9888-41bf-8498-f65b06f9f9da" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsForfeituresAndExpirationsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a0bf7846-2d83-496e-8e71-d3db1a6583f1" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsForfeituresAndExpirationsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForwardRollForward_e3bfbc92-e1cb-42bd-a353-e9dc8235a597" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsForfeituresAndExpirationsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a0bf7846-2d83-496e-8e71-d3db1a6583f1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_b3ded8f4-1c22-4b18-a23a-3df95ee20091" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_ad3eb73c-0a15-4734-b75b-17cc204cebc0" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_ad3eb73c-0a15-4734-b75b-17cc204cebc0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_84bb14bf-331b-473b-b982-819027c24e68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_84bb14bf-331b-473b-b982-819027c24e68" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_bc218916-777f-4611-a7d1-ee25e091ccef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_84bb14bf-331b-473b-b982-819027c24e68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_bc218916-777f-4611-a7d1-ee25e091ccef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_9f5992d3-b804-4d48-ba41-4161873671ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_84bb14bf-331b-473b-b982-819027c24e68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_9f5992d3-b804-4d48-ba41-4161873671ba" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_6dee644b-69e5-40af-b408-29afec70d020" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_84bb14bf-331b-473b-b982-819027c24e68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_6dee644b-69e5-40af-b408-29afec70d020" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_6fb13caa-6dda-44c9-bef7-bd9188db5284" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_84bb14bf-331b-473b-b982-819027c24e68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_6fb13caa-6dda-44c9-bef7-bd9188db5284" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_5eed584e-5bcf-405a-9c9a-f30aa6093681" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_7148a98b-1b88-4f68-b0cc-bcf83eb18025" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_7148a98b-1b88-4f68-b0cc-bcf83eb18025" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_bc9e3f42-51a9-43cf-be8b-ca42071b9174" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_7148a98b-1b88-4f68-b0cc-bcf83eb18025" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_bc9e3f42-51a9-43cf-be8b-ca42071b9174" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a3265084-f988-48ec-9b40-e927e4f199ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_7148a98b-1b88-4f68-b0cc-bcf83eb18025" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a3265084-f988-48ec-9b40-e927e4f199ea" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_baba1457-4dcf-4a15-a1a9-2266c32f725e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_7148a98b-1b88-4f68-b0cc-bcf83eb18025" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_baba1457-4dcf-4a15-a1a9-2266c32f725e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_ac971661-78bf-4978-a35c-7df27e2a3609" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_7148a98b-1b88-4f68-b0cc-bcf83eb18025" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_ac971661-78bf-4978-a35c-7df27e2a3609" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_62a15eaf-db6e-40db-990a-2afb5c06a60b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0a582211-375a-464f-834f-e4c5872c98d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2134e5c6-5a7d-4f09-a68f-f8206dae521f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0a582211-375a-464f-834f-e4c5872c98d3" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_114ba5b1-68b7-4b05-9d62-376b52aed26f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0a582211-375a-464f-834f-e4c5872c98d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_114ba5b1-68b7-4b05-9d62-376b52aed26f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_114ba5b1-68b7-4b05-9d62-376b52aed26f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_114ba5b1-68b7-4b05-9d62-376b52aed26f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_114ba5b1-68b7-4b05-9d62-376b52aed26f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ee648d4e-ef19-4590-9010-bbb08468cd8c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_114ba5b1-68b7-4b05-9d62-376b52aed26f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ee648d4e-ef19-4590-9010-bbb08468cd8c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember_5c5f0d01-03a7-46f2-942c-62b7152d76f4" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ee648d4e-ef19-4590-9010-bbb08468cd8c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_RestrictedStockAndDeferredRestrictedStockMember_5c5f0d01-03a7-46f2-942c-62b7152d76f4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0c55c010-856a-4db3-b246-6717e3d85068" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0a582211-375a-464f-834f-e4c5872c98d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0c55c010-856a-4db3-b246-6717e3d85068" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0c55c010-856a-4db3-b246-6717e3d85068_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0c55c010-856a-4db3-b246-6717e3d85068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0c55c010-856a-4db3-b246-6717e3d85068_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_1a3cf0a2-8bdd-47f8-8750-d89930f0ffab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0c55c010-856a-4db3-b246-6717e3d85068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_1a3cf0a2-8bdd-47f8-8750-d89930f0ffab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IncentivePlanMember_546211e5-9906-4867-bf80-31376279cee4" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IncentivePlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_1a3cf0a2-8bdd-47f8-8750-d89930f0ffab" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IncentivePlanMember_546211e5-9906-4867-bf80-31376279cee4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SegmentandNonTariffedBusinessesReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#SegmentandNonTariffedBusinessesReportingDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SegmentandNonTariffedBusinessesReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i660fc1f71b724dc7b1562424d3cc74f6_SegmentandNonTariffedBusinessesReportingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_29bcc0b4-cf6c-4b07-ac2b-f036712a4879" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_29bcc0b4-cf6c-4b07-ac2b-f036712a4879" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpense_ae11fa2d-57f3-4b37-957d-5b7acd88cc6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpense_ae11fa2d-57f3-4b37-957d-5b7acd88cc6f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_3c2d2bcf-9064-4768-bfb5-9667f81c82c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_3c2d2bcf-9064-4768-bfb5-9667f81c82c0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_c85a91ef-5d96-4d02-8cbe-7a2dac1a4cfa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_c85a91ef-5d96-4d02-8cbe-7a2dac1a4cfa" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_32fc1dae-feb8-47e3-b819-0f2df12bfa5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_32fc1dae-feb8-47e3-b819-0f2df12bfa5f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2c7aaaf4-6bc0-46e4-8670-48fdfca71a27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2c7aaaf4-6bc0-46e4-8670-48fdfca71a27" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ce16de47-b53c-40b4-9b2e-d246d7ba4090" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ce16de47-b53c-40b4-9b2e-d246d7ba4090" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_52eb22b2-ee6e-44ce-be5d-59b86cad2c30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_52eb22b2-ee6e-44ce-be5d-59b86cad2c30" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_99f2d0af-ca07-4cc6-a751-a3a7be39729c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_e39579c7-ff4c-4fab-8a9c-f3db826e09f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_99f2d0af-ca07-4cc6-a751-a3a7be39729c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis_ffc125ae-655f-43d0-9ec9-fdd19b85ab7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_99f2d0af-ca07-4cc6-a751-a3a7be39729c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis_ffc125ae-655f-43d0-9ec9-fdd19b85ab7d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_ffc125ae-655f-43d0-9ec9-fdd19b85ab7d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis_ffc125ae-655f-43d0-9ec9-fdd19b85ab7d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_ffc125ae-655f-43d0-9ec9-fdd19b85ab7d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_c0a470fb-0188-495e-b403-7e91717b15cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityRegulatedOrUnregulatedStatusAxis_ffc125ae-655f-43d0-9ec9-fdd19b85ab7d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_c0a470fb-0188-495e-b403-7e91717b15cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember_1639c9a1-2a32-4f0f-b7d8-71f8563ee5f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_c0a470fb-0188-495e-b403-7e91717b15cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedOperationMember_1639c9a1-2a32-4f0f-b7d8-71f8563ee5f7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnregulatedOperationMember_cd736a3e-9112-451e-b40f-e8ab80c321c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnregulatedOperationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperationDomain_c0a470fb-0188-495e-b403-7e91717b15cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnregulatedOperationMember_cd736a3e-9112-451e-b40f-e8ab80c321c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6eb96b2b-ac9d-4275-87ed-e38d7e1587b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_99f2d0af-ca07-4cc6-a751-a3a7be39729c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6eb96b2b-ac9d-4275-87ed-e38d7e1587b8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6eb96b2b-ac9d-4275-87ed-e38d7e1587b8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6eb96b2b-ac9d-4275-87ed-e38d7e1587b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6eb96b2b-ac9d-4275-87ed-e38d7e1587b8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f41d8c36-96df-4518-aff6-7136ef25c28d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6eb96b2b-ac9d-4275-87ed-e38d7e1587b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f41d8c36-96df-4518-aff6-7136ef25c28d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ReportableSegmentOneMember_c1e9ada1-48c0-40be-a825-150d352036f2" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ReportableSegmentOneMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f41d8c36-96df-4518-aff6-7136ef25c28d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ReportableSegmentOneMember_c1e9ada1-48c0-40be-a825-150d352036f2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ReportableSegmentTwoMember_cd30b4a6-5149-4574-b56b-24de5b922401" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ReportableSegmentTwoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f41d8c36-96df-4518-aff6-7136ef25c28d" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ReportableSegmentTwoMember_cd30b4a6-5149-4574-b56b-24de5b922401" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_69b0c4c8-255c-4a2b-95d1-64ee966221fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f41d8c36-96df-4518-aff6-7136ef25c28d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_69b0c4c8-255c-4a2b-95d1-64ee966221fd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_d60dde80-ed03-4884-8eda-4b3122c54cb6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f41d8c36-96df-4518-aff6-7136ef25c28d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_d60dde80-ed03-4884-8eda-4b3122c54cb6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i74ddc80119a944ad981e0466fe64113b_BusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionNumberOfPeopleServed_f6ec96a4-b25c-4195-8f11-2dbb1dc8b9a3" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionNumberOfPeopleServed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionNumberOfPeopleServed_f6ec96a4-b25c-4195-8f11-2dbb1dc8b9a3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceConnections_2495fa82-d62c-4e89-9b83-6f9d631ae695" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceConnections"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceConnections_2495fa82-d62c-4e89-9b83-6f9d631ae695" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceArea_eafa2a62-2846-4630-ac11-87c648dafbbc" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceArea"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceArea_eafa2a62-2846-4630-ac11-87c648dafbbc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_afbc3684-69e2-482f-930b-703ae2bb53f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_afbc3684-69e2-482f-930b-703ae2bb53f8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUtilityPlantNet_148b5d1d-375f-4ab9-84db-42ea2f015ec7" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUtilityPlantNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUtilityPlantNet_148b5d1d-375f-4ab9-84db-42ea2f015ec7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_226ce8c5-b9e2-498e-a6d4-1e7e12d7c242" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_226ce8c5-b9e2-498e-a6d4-1e7e12d7c242" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_c65c919c-abab-43e4-9e2e-5d443fa0e6ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_c65c919c-abab-43e4-9e2e-5d443fa0e6ba" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAcquireesCommonSharesConvertedInCashPerShare_7e513896-da15-4a39-b0ef-862cf7c7a350" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAcquireesCommonSharesConvertedInCashPerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAcquireesCommonSharesConvertedInCashPerShare_7e513896-da15-4a39-b0ef-862cf7c7a350" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_e527c453-694b-4285-ab55-a4b6b379fdcd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_e527c453-694b-4285-ab55-a4b6b379fdcd" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalSharebasedCompensationEquityAwardAssumedinAcquisition_d10a390f-b033-468e-a6b3-0e327fa6e135" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalSharebasedCompensationEquityAwardAssumedinAcquisition"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalSharebasedCompensationEquityAwardAssumedinAcquisition_d10a390f-b033-468e-a6b3-0e327fa6e135" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_04bc5f18-2a03-4094-bf15-82b615a55866" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fecc4e5c-55a2-4038-bdb6-efdda56087cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_04bc5f18-2a03-4094-bf15-82b615a55866" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_12e97102-57f6-4c5d-9734-e1fd26fda483" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_04bc5f18-2a03-4094-bf15-82b615a55866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_12e97102-57f6-4c5d-9734-e1fd26fda483" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_12e97102-57f6-4c5d-9734-e1fd26fda483_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_12e97102-57f6-4c5d-9734-e1fd26fda483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_12e97102-57f6-4c5d-9734-e1fd26fda483_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_85616bfc-3194-47a6-b461-b4e918b91b7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_12e97102-57f6-4c5d-9734-e1fd26fda483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_85616bfc-3194-47a6-b461-b4e918b91b7e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_KendallWestUtilityAndBanderaEastUtilityMember_9565a4fd-559d-4761-ae4c-254a834fd07b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_KendallWestUtilityAndBanderaEastUtilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_85616bfc-3194-47a6-b461-b4e918b91b7e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_KendallWestUtilityAndBanderaEastUtilityMember_9565a4fd-559d-4761-ae4c-254a834fd07b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSMember_62f21414-e97f-4f0f-a487-02c5299e947d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_85616bfc-3194-47a6-b461-b4e918b91b7e" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSMember_62f21414-e97f-4f0f-a487-02c5299e947d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3fee231f-a099-43ee-b047-b0e8bcdeee8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_04bc5f18-2a03-4094-bf15-82b615a55866" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3fee231f-a099-43ee-b047-b0e8bcdeee8b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3fee231f-a099-43ee-b047-b0e8bcdeee8b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3fee231f-a099-43ee-b047-b0e8bcdeee8b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3fee231f-a099-43ee-b047-b0e8bcdeee8b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_b02f140b-f658-4754-a010-4049706aceb7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3fee231f-a099-43ee-b047-b0e8bcdeee8b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_b02f140b-f658-4754-a010-4049706aceb7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CanyonLakeWaterServiceCompanyMember_c4668fd3-ab2e-4650-86f7-59f85de09572" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CanyonLakeWaterServiceCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_b02f140b-f658-4754-a010-4049706aceb7" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CanyonLakeWaterServiceCompanyMember_c4668fd3-ab2e-4650-86f7-59f85de09572" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_14e09d15-c19f-46b4-82f1-9aa629fc40a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_04bc5f18-2a03-4094-bf15-82b615a55866" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_14e09d15-c19f-46b4-82f1-9aa629fc40a4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_14e09d15-c19f-46b4-82f1-9aa629fc40a4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_14e09d15-c19f-46b4-82f1-9aa629fc40a4" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_14e09d15-c19f-46b4-82f1-9aa629fc40a4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_fb2c2767-981b-493c-b800-6a22f5d9aaf3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_14e09d15-c19f-46b4-82f1-9aa629fc40a4" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_fb2c2767-981b-493c-b800-6a22f5d9aaf3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SouthCentralTexasMember_9b0c228e-e0d9-4a84-ae83-db9c5c5dd62c" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SouthCentralTexasMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_fb2c2767-981b-493c-b800-6a22f5d9aaf3" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SouthCentralTexasMember_9b0c228e-e0d9-4a84-ae83-db9c5c5dd62c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BusinessCombinationsScheduleofRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#BusinessCombinationsScheduleofRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/BusinessCombinationsScheduleofRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie17fdbcf1cef4abb9620d063619ae5d5_BusinessCombinationsScheduleofRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_49bd822f-2ddc-4db6-9f3a-53ad0e894ad6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_49bd822f-2ddc-4db6-9f3a-53ad0e894ad6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUtilityPlantNet_613bc34b-31b2-498f-8a90-5e1c701464fc" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUtilityPlantNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUtilityPlantNet_613bc34b-31b2-498f-8a90-5e1c701464fc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentUtilityPlantNet_a0563dfc-9048-481f-a5b9-f9c303dc90f2" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentUtilityPlantNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentUtilityPlantNet_a0563dfc-9048-481f-a5b9-f9c303dc90f2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNonutilityPlantNet_cb3a1712-7d6e-4c58-9c7e-e86b78e886db" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNonutilityPlantNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNonutilityPlantNet_cb3a1712-7d6e-4c58-9c7e-e86b78e886db" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNonutilityPlantNet_1af771d5-893e-4bf5-9a5e-1398d0cb0938" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNonutilityPlantNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNonutilityPlantNet_1af771d5-893e-4bf5-9a5e-1398d0cb0938" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_d9ae0517-5237-4036-a5fb-d4909235340d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_d9ae0517-5237-4036-a5fb-d4909235340d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCurrentAssets_d55f189d-a51e-4215-89c3-d82fda9066e9" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCurrentAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCurrentAssets_d55f189d-a51e-4215-89c3-d82fda9066e9" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialAssets_7a0faf2e-4045-4968-b64c-b4a5271df139" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialAssets_7a0faf2e-4045-4968-b64c-b4a5271df139" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentFinancialAssets_ec966b56-13e5-4f47-9958-fb828963f696" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentFinancialAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentFinancialAssets_ec966b56-13e5-4f47-9958-fb828963f696" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedRegulatoryAssesandDeferredChargesnet_8efb463e-aac9-4d11-826c-c982fb2244eb" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedRegulatoryAssesandDeferredChargesnet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedRegulatoryAssesandDeferredChargesnet_8efb463e-aac9-4d11-826c-c982fb2244eb" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentRegulatoryAssetsandDeferredChargesNet_42a6601c-98d3-4479-9981-cee084be1b98" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentRegulatoryAssetsandDeferredChargesNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentRegulatoryAssetsandDeferredChargesNet_42a6601c-98d3-4479-9981-cee084be1b98" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_59cd2a71-f156-4288-b98a-28c3f9bb05ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_59cd2a71-f156-4288-b98a-28c3f9bb05ca" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentIntangibles_a7ae5801-b17e-46fb-92d6-0ea6efea5a73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentIntangibles"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentIntangibles_a7ae5801-b17e-46fb-92d6-0ea6efea5a73" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentAssets_b4db946e-7f6d-4492-b880-ccef58e1919e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentAssets_b4db946e-7f6d-4492-b880-ccef58e1919e" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNoncurrentAssets_94656691-bc0f-4904-8559-92ee0b173e55" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNoncurrentAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNoncurrentAssets_94656691-bc0f-4904-8559-92ee0b173e55" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_3c49965f-cff6-4dd7-b2af-abe3ba80347c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_3c49965f-cff6-4dd7-b2af-abe3ba80347c" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_1d93679b-f496-4cc7-92bb-23d6f03899d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_1d93679b-f496-4cc7-92bb-23d6f03899d3" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_13dc8059-b4df-4ced-9da8-130de6a09972" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_13dc8059-b4df-4ced-9da8-130de6a09972" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssets_1b5c1684-083f-489f-98dd-5ce0398f9462" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_4e4dfac8-e146-4b0b-91fe-1fb06ddf7e1c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssets_1b5c1684-083f-489f-98dd-5ce0398f9462" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_49bd822f-2ddc-4db6-9f3a-53ad0e894ad6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_b626138d-f804-4c69-84c6-20bcb31873e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_b626138d-f804-4c69-84c6-20bcb31873e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentLongtermDebt_994fd8f0-c4b5-4738-a7f5-148d3437b0a7" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentLongtermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentLongtermDebt_994fd8f0-c4b5-4738-a7f5-148d3437b0a7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_fb79cd67-1358-41e4-830c-92f338d89dca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_fb79cd67-1358-41e4-830c-92f338d89dca" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCurrentLiabilities_c94cd505-fb86-497f-a8f5-910192067f25" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCurrentLiabilities_c94cd505-fb86-497f-a8f5-910192067f25" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_7afa1bbd-ef61-4715-9c4a-c30160e9739a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_7afa1bbd-ef61-4715-9c4a-c30160e9739a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentDeferredIncomeTaxes_b7e1cb1e-3c60-412b-8a64-e7a68ccad268" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentDeferredIncomeTaxes"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentDeferredIncomeTaxes_b7e1cb1e-3c60-412b-8a64-e7a68ccad268" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPostretirementBenefitPlans_6faefef1-7dba-4c50-9f95-5e4c5badd8ca" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPostretirementBenefitPlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPostretirementBenefitPlans_6faefef1-7dba-4c50-9f95-5e4c5badd8ca" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentPostretirementBenefitPlans_4a1b9164-17d9-4e8d-88ac-38da25347f52" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentPostretirementBenefitPlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentPostretirementBenefitPlans_4a1b9164-17d9-4e8d-88ac-38da25347f52" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedCIACandAdvances_4e178f77-7f91-4117-abbd-7f3ac746ba89" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedCIACandAdvances"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedCIACandAdvances_4e178f77-7f91-4117-abbd-7f3ac746ba89" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCIACandAdvances_bfcbe95e-abc2-45f7-b394-bc18b119fc42" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCIACandAdvances"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentCIACandAdvances_bfcbe95e-abc2-45f7-b394-bc18b119fc42" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities_e61e3fca-d23d-408e-9f53-98b60067d0a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities_e61e3fca-d23d-408e-9f53-98b60067d0a6" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNoncurrentLiabilities_4c34b09f-759d-4615-b4b6-86d3e762dfab" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNoncurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNoncurrentLiabilities_4c34b09f-759d-4615-b4b6-86d3e762dfab" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_cdf29873-2214-46da-8efe-b37eb947f9ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_cdf29873-2214-46da-8efe-b37eb947f9ac" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentLiabilities_aceed4b1-cee3-4be2-88c7-bcd25a4550e5" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_61d7b376-148c-423b-918a-f79d046eacbe" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentLiabilities_aceed4b1-cee3-4be2-88c7-bcd25a4550e5" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_0d960330-ebd1-44e8-971e-8e1e024dabf0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_49bd822f-2ddc-4db6-9f3a-53ad0e894ad6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_0d960330-ebd1-44e8-971e-8e1e024dabf0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNet_497f5b6b-6bb4-4bad-b1ac-e1fbcd08f42d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_49bd822f-2ddc-4db6-9f3a-53ad0e894ad6" xlink:to="loc_sjw_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNet_497f5b6b-6bb4-4bad-b1ac-e1fbcd08f42d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4ac7b77c-6e03-481f-aa20-1b8f6446a5e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_49bd822f-2ddc-4db6-9f3a-53ad0e894ad6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4ac7b77c-6e03-481f-aa20-1b8f6446a5e7" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_87f88bd0-2982-403d-94c8-e7b84b8bbf7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4ac7b77c-6e03-481f-aa20-1b8f6446a5e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_87f88bd0-2982-403d-94c8-e7b84b8bbf7d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_87f88bd0-2982-403d-94c8-e7b84b8bbf7d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_87f88bd0-2982-403d-94c8-e7b84b8bbf7d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_87f88bd0-2982-403d-94c8-e7b84b8bbf7d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_e1eef291-d4c2-4ed8-86bb-eede691ed1e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_87f88bd0-2982-403d-94c8-e7b84b8bbf7d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_e1eef291-d4c2-4ed8-86bb-eede691ed1e0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_CTWSMember_4a22d9fa-a29c-483e-93f6-ba0b73c4ec6d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_CTWSMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_e1eef291-d4c2-4ed8-86bb-eede691ed1e0" xlink:to="loc_sjw_CTWSMember_4a22d9fa-a29c-483e-93f6-ba0b73c4ec6d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#SubsequentEventDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ib8e9f6d6f6824c4db4efb87ebc4a75c8_SubsequentEventDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_ea946b6c-18e0-4642-8963-20bd8dbdfdb8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_a528b1c6-1779-4480-8633-672aa929ef90" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_ea946b6c-18e0-4642-8963-20bd8dbdfdb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_a528b1c6-1779-4480-8633-672aa929ef90" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionNumberOfPeopleServed_a5547674-66e3-48b2-9deb-adc22efa50eb" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionNumberOfPeopleServed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_ea946b6c-18e0-4642-8963-20bd8dbdfdb8" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionNumberOfPeopleServed_a5547674-66e3-48b2-9deb-adc22efa50eb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceConnections_d9764180-43dd-49ba-a3aa-82a306a6d3ed" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceConnections"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_ea946b6c-18e0-4642-8963-20bd8dbdfdb8" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PublicUtilitiesAcquisitionServiceConnections_d9764180-43dd-49ba-a3aa-82a306a6d3ed" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_e4745dde-8738-43f2-9c8a-62b2de493cb9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_ea946b6c-18e0-4642-8963-20bd8dbdfdb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_e4745dde-8738-43f2-9c8a-62b2de493cb9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_d5c03fe0-7956-429f-9379-1e1939584b6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_e4745dde-8738-43f2-9c8a-62b2de493cb9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_d5c03fe0-7956-429f-9379-1e1939584b6c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_d5c03fe0-7956-429f-9379-1e1939584b6c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_d5c03fe0-7956-429f-9379-1e1939584b6c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_d5c03fe0-7956-429f-9379-1e1939584b6c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6431a24c-b2f4-4bb0-a78d-161ba9c7ff7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_d5c03fe0-7956-429f-9379-1e1939584b6c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6431a24c-b2f4-4bb0-a78d-161ba9c7ff7b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SJWTXInc.Member_eaf0a1a9-89ac-43fe-85f7-caa448adea25" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SJWTXInc.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6431a24c-b2f4-4bb0-a78d-161ba9c7ff7b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SJWTXInc.Member_eaf0a1a9-89ac-43fe-85f7-caa448adea25" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8a9ebcff-f5eb-4fda-87d1-5f99e5f5b646" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_e4745dde-8738-43f2-9c8a-62b2de493cb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8a9ebcff-f5eb-4fda-87d1-5f99e5f5b646" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8a9ebcff-f5eb-4fda-87d1-5f99e5f5b646_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8a9ebcff-f5eb-4fda-87d1-5f99e5f5b646" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8a9ebcff-f5eb-4fda-87d1-5f99e5f5b646_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d62d4484-1a91-4a6d-848f-e6157c43c050" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8a9ebcff-f5eb-4fda-87d1-5f99e5f5b646" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d62d4484-1a91-4a6d-848f-e6157c43c050" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_KTWaterDevelopmentLtdMember_f1880cfb-f6cf-43a0-8dad-d97ef60cc8c0" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_KTWaterDevelopmentLtdMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d62d4484-1a91-4a6d-848f-e6157c43c050" xlink:to="loc_sjw_KTWaterDevelopmentLtdMember_f1880cfb-f6cf-43a0-8dad-d97ef60cc8c0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_KTWaterResourceLPMember_3f464a82-fa36-4a1c-8768-667904e62489" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_KTWaterResourceLPMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d62d4484-1a91-4a6d-848f-e6157c43c050" xlink:to="loc_sjw_KTWaterResourceLPMember_3f464a82-fa36-4a1c-8768-667904e62489" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_f77b88e6-c263-42b2-a6b6-c6ee35d4a489" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_e4745dde-8738-43f2-9c8a-62b2de493cb9" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_f77b88e6-c263-42b2-a6b6-c6ee35d4a489" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_f77b88e6-c263-42b2-a6b6-c6ee35d4a489_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_f77b88e6-c263-42b2-a6b6-c6ee35d4a489" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_f77b88e6-c263-42b2-a6b6-c6ee35d4a489_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_5a2d5a9b-1b0e-48b1-8b9c-72a6adcc9807" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_f77b88e6-c263-42b2-a6b6-c6ee35d4a489" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_5a2d5a9b-1b0e-48b1-8b9c-72a6adcc9807" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SouthernComalCountyTexasMember_d8bee323-9152-4cdf-a505-dbcd75e1f520" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SouthernComalCountyTexasMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_5a2d5a9b-1b0e-48b1-8b9c-72a6adcc9807" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SouthernComalCountyTexasMember_d8bee323-9152-4cdf-a505-dbcd75e1f520" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3d24d60b-07b8-4159-8aad-3d6b8143b3cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_e4745dde-8738-43f2-9c8a-62b2de493cb9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3d24d60b-07b8-4159-8aad-3d6b8143b3cd" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3d24d60b-07b8-4159-8aad-3d6b8143b3cd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3d24d60b-07b8-4159-8aad-3d6b8143b3cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3d24d60b-07b8-4159-8aad-3d6b8143b3cd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_e5f9ced8-32c4-40f7-8c9d-853455f1ca76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3d24d60b-07b8-4159-8aad-3d6b8143b3cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_e5f9ced8-32c4-40f7-8c9d-853455f1ca76" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_06ead252-28a0-481d-aeaa-c1bbb2755820" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_e5f9ced8-32c4-40f7-8c9d-853455f1ca76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_06ead252-28a0-481d-aeaa-c1bbb2755820" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i72769777f3b0485d9e30996c261222f3_FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_58653da0-da65-4936-ab14-b0dde9a86120" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_92296b5d-1f71-45d5-b511-06461b706b5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_58653da0-da65-4936-ab14-b0dde9a86120" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_92296b5d-1f71-45d5-b511-06461b706b5b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_InvestmentsInSubsidiaries_d2a4af5c-218b-4c50-a3e7-0cd59d8e69ad" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_InvestmentsInSubsidiaries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_92296b5d-1f71-45d5-b511-06461b706b5b" xlink:to="loc_sjw_InvestmentsInSubsidiaries_d2a4af5c-218b-4c50-a3e7-0cd59d8e69ad" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_ad4f3a40-c7f5-47e4-8515-2d713192a6c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_92296b5d-1f71-45d5-b511-06461b706b5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_ad4f3a40-c7f5-47e4-8515-2d713192a6c5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7cb34d47-9667-4d1e-9689-1a5561c56002" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_ad4f3a40-c7f5-47e4-8515-2d713192a6c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7cb34d47-9667-4d1e-9689-1a5561c56002" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IntercompanyNotesReceivableCurrent_01250718-9fc7-42a4-922c-a61598619b17" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IntercompanyNotesReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_ad4f3a40-c7f5-47e4-8515-2d713192a6c5" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IntercompanyNotesReceivableCurrent_01250718-9fc7-42a4-922c-a61598619b17" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_a2aeae90-601c-439d-8006-ebb577aebc2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_ad4f3a40-c7f5-47e4-8515-2d713192a6c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_a2aeae90-601c-439d-8006-ebb577aebc2a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_3f6b35d1-a069-4b35-ae5c-996cc5af944a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_ad4f3a40-c7f5-47e4-8515-2d713192a6c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_3f6b35d1-a069-4b35-ae5c-996cc5af944a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_81e8bf22-484d-4931-bc11-5324bed40fd0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_92296b5d-1f71-45d5-b511-06461b706b5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_81e8bf22-484d-4931-bc11-5324bed40fd0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMiscellaneousNoncurrent_848b9eed-f940-4dd3-9339-f6bc044bdbab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMiscellaneousNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_81e8bf22-484d-4931-bc11-5324bed40fd0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMiscellaneousNoncurrent_848b9eed-f940-4dd3-9339-f6bc044bdbab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_6fa3373c-f4b1-4612-8b79-28b233db4c0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentAbstract_81e8bf22-484d-4931-bc11-5324bed40fd0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_6fa3373c-f4b1-4612-8b79-28b233db4c0e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_f4eab613-0c21-492e-ae71-8f389959ff23" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_92296b5d-1f71-45d5-b511-06461b706b5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_f4eab613-0c21-492e-ae71-8f389959ff23" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_58653da0-da65-4936-ab14-b0dde9a86120" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract_7d0e09d9-b318-4ffe-83fd-83f3f37462e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract_7d0e09d9-b318-4ffe-83fd-83f3f37462e7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d8c313ab-7ad4-40d0-85a3-8c00f114b7d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract_7d0e09d9-b318-4ffe-83fd-83f3f37462e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d8c313ab-7ad4-40d0-85a3-8c00f114b7d8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_dcd8c3ae-1f3e-42e4-88be-d10d9e8b2b6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d8c313ab-7ad4-40d0-85a3-8c00f114b7d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_dcd8c3ae-1f3e-42e4-88be-d10d9e8b2b6f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_233f6251-0350-4282-8e11-3b6224249517" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d8c313ab-7ad4-40d0-85a3-8c00f114b7d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_233f6251-0350-4282-8e11-3b6224249517" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_bc89431f-40e9-46dd-8c1e-dc5baf62aa9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d8c313ab-7ad4-40d0-85a3-8c00f114b7d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_bc89431f-40e9-46dd-8c1e-dc5baf62aa9d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_2f4c3b11-602a-409d-a8f1-9c9c6d18f5f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d8c313ab-7ad4-40d0-85a3-8c00f114b7d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_2f4c3b11-602a-409d-a8f1-9c9c6d18f5f5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_2689ec81-8af7-448c-842d-6c6c1e07ef17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_d8c313ab-7ad4-40d0-85a3-8c00f114b7d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_2689ec81-8af7-448c-842d-6c6c1e07ef17" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_c3480530-d098-404c-82ee-8d4ffff3b9af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract_7d0e09d9-b318-4ffe-83fd-83f3f37462e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_c3480530-d098-404c-82ee-8d4ffff3b9af" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity_e63c44e0-c84d-49df-b65f-f16f236d677e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract_7d0e09d9-b318-4ffe-83fd-83f3f37462e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity_e63c44e0-c84d-49df-b65f-f16f236d677e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IntercompanyPayableCurrent_02cec445-56e3-42f0-bdaa-2d4c5dbf5275" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IntercompanyPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IntercompanyPayableCurrent_02cec445-56e3-42f0-bdaa-2d4c5dbf5275" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IntercompanyNotesPayableCurrent_2c0ca650-fb41-4f1d-8f46-25d42173fccd" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IntercompanyNotesPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IntercompanyNotesPayableCurrent_2c0ca650-fb41-4f1d-8f46-25d42173fccd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_d3be9d85-2b46-450d-94e6-1b63749b8e40" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_d3be9d85-2b46-450d-94e6-1b63749b8e40" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IncomeTaxPayableCurrent_35e5766c-f2e4-4996-a9e1-c3bf704f01ff" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IncomeTaxPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IncomeTaxPayableCurrent_35e5766c-f2e4-4996-a9e1-c3bf704f01ff" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_2e8d2ca7-cc4d-404a-9a43-dd04bc50d106" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_2e8d2ca7-cc4d-404a-9a43-dd04bc50d106" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_165893a6-267c-4993-b3f8-fe1f742a24a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_ddc5350b-0630-4bb0-af81-f95c00a9d4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_165893a6-267c-4993-b3f8-fe1f742a24a0" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_0aec236f-0eaa-490e-b5f9-7c0083871e61" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_0aec236f-0eaa-490e-b5f9-7c0083871e61" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3ab642ad-87ef-4d79-b267-9b94c00c4467" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3ab642ad-87ef-4d79-b267-9b94c00c4467" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_6e613602-4c17-4d90-adf7-62a7ae33171a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_6e613602-4c17-4d90-adf7-62a7ae33171a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_570a1c11-d5a1-4e7f-bb87-314928f552ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_570a1c11-d5a1-4e7f-bb87-314928f552ed" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_f66b3be7-5580-4c97-9a54-a3cd25e70095" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_f66b3be7-5580-4c97-9a54-a3cd25e70095" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_3e8ce3d4-e64c-4542-88ed-31acc14ee69d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_3e8ce3d4-e64c-4542-88ed-31acc14ee69d" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_df6979ec-6172-4d7a-b3ff-7e620a75a691" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_df6979ec-6172-4d7a-b3ff-7e620a75a691" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_6ad54fe2-adab-4c9f-8624-2bed9fb1a882" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_17dbdb6c-e3b5-4ad1-b026-8f2024f2f338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_6ad54fe2-adab-4c9f-8624-2bed9fb1a882" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_b06be717-cece-4548-ad2b-ad5d87eadcbc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_58653da0-da65-4936-ab14-b0dde9a86120" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_b06be717-cece-4548-ad2b-ad5d87eadcbc" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3bd91b7f-59c9-462a-a8f4-f1b0b5f944dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_b06be717-cece-4548-ad2b-ad5d87eadcbc" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3bd91b7f-59c9-462a-a8f4-f1b0b5f944dd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3bd91b7f-59c9-462a-a8f4-f1b0b5f944dd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3bd91b7f-59c9-462a-a8f4-f1b0b5f944dd" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3bd91b7f-59c9-462a-a8f4-f1b0b5f944dd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_d6ebe6d9-5f1c-408b-83cc-9789a97bdd99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3bd91b7f-59c9-462a-a8f4-f1b0b5f944dd" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_d6ebe6d9-5f1c-408b-83cc-9789a97bdd99" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_6efae6bc-7180-475d-8221-c0e6f1840075" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_d6ebe6d9-5f1c-408b-83cc-9789a97bdd99" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_6efae6bc-7180-475d-8221-c0e6f1840075" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i376b61bbf9af43d8bd5a64b86dc51e41_FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_6c9cd2b0-09a4-4f1a-a23f-58705e7779f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_6c9cd2b0-09a4-4f1a-a23f-58705e7779f5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_793e15b8-1194-4cbf-b83c-964897e6b4ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_793e15b8-1194-4cbf-b83c-964897e6b4ec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_5f55223a-0f61-4748-9a88-430bd92602e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_793e15b8-1194-4cbf-b83c-964897e6b4ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_5f55223a-0f61-4748-9a88-430bd92602e6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseTaxes_082aeeba-0c69-48a1-88a3-c2a1a4111afb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseTaxes"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_793e15b8-1194-4cbf-b83c-964897e6b4ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseTaxes_082aeeba-0c69-48a1-88a3-c2a1a4111afb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpense_90fa5c12-9fae-4cb5-8e7b-bf1fd39ab04a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_793e15b8-1194-4cbf-b83c-964897e6b4ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpense_90fa5c12-9fae-4cb5-8e7b-bf1fd39ab04a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_675e319a-820b-4b41-a12a-61fab4da2d50" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_675e319a-820b-4b41-a12a-61fab4da2d50" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_7f1d8386-0db2-47f7-be80-a01107a78355" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_7f1d8386-0db2-47f7-be80-a01107a78355" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_b5b80a3a-d86d-4547-9f78-041c33ce984c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_7f1d8386-0db2-47f7-be80-a01107a78355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_b5b80a3a-d86d-4547-9f78-041c33ce984c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_07b9f0ef-e0ff-4613-a3f1-99556243a7e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_7f1d8386-0db2-47f7-be80-a01107a78355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_07b9f0ef-e0ff-4613-a3f1-99556243a7e7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_be770dde-e7bc-4c69-9290-4cb84ffe8d72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_7f1d8386-0db2-47f7-be80-a01107a78355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_be770dde-e7bc-4c69-9290-4cb84ffe8d72" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_fe0ab511-9465-444b-a765-ff4238eaa66e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_7f1d8386-0db2-47f7-be80-a01107a78355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_fe0ab511-9465-444b-a765-ff4238eaa66e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_faea9f6f-94c3-49ad-8873-2b2ff0b81f85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_faea9f6f-94c3-49ad-8873-2b2ff0b81f85" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_EquityEarningsFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_05e04b77-93fb-48c8-a1de-3897af2c7c5d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_EquityEarningsFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_sjw_EquityEarningsFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_05e04b77-93fb-48c8-a1de-3897af2c7c5d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fecfb6ef-73a7-4614-b7d4-0fa3a00dbc3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fecfb6ef-73a7-4614-b7d4-0fa3a00dbc3a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_fa2dd787-f300-4b23-b4c3-eeabc425fbf4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_fa2dd787-f300-4b23-b4c3-eeabc425fbf4" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_7f4e0742-fda8-4780-8b2d-5812933b0b19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_7f4e0742-fda8-4780-8b2d-5812933b0b19" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_05b9d6a8-209f-4519-9f7d-db7b6bc2d2b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_e9a4c4c8-8493-48af-a1d7-7ff35f1ccd29" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_05b9d6a8-209f-4519-9f7d-db7b6bc2d2b2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8b4c9c70-22bc-4a02-834f-d3ad5375e0c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_05b9d6a8-209f-4519-9f7d-db7b6bc2d2b2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8b4c9c70-22bc-4a02-834f-d3ad5375e0c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_8b4c9c70-22bc-4a02-834f-d3ad5375e0c5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8b4c9c70-22bc-4a02-834f-d3ad5375e0c5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_8b4c9c70-22bc-4a02-834f-d3ad5375e0c5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_bec9d451-3801-4db6-bdec-bf9ca959a40a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8b4c9c70-22bc-4a02-834f-d3ad5375e0c5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_bec9d451-3801-4db6-bdec-bf9ca959a40a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_28eae13c-e3c1-4966-8f78-ae76f396e08f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_bec9d451-3801-4db6-bdec-bf9ca959a40a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_28eae13c-e3c1-4966-8f78-ae76f396e08f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_b4af1db7-297a-43b7-a18c-978329152409" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_bec9d451-3801-4db6-bdec-bf9ca959a40a" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_b4af1db7-297a-43b7-a18c-978329152409" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofCashFlowsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3a4d4f2ebca84310afd7a1f9b049ed3f_FinancialStatementScheduleCondensedStatementsofCashFlowsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_efbc5ab6-7ae2-40b7-a552-b725564c5357" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_efbc5ab6-7ae2-40b7-a552-b725564c5357" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a5d3bfc9-4b95-4b09-a2ab-491f4fe7d1b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_efbc5ab6-7ae2-40b7-a552-b725564c5357" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a5d3bfc9-4b95-4b09-a2ab-491f4fe7d1b7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c36cd67d-763d-4104-b341-283494892360" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_efbc5ab6-7ae2-40b7-a552-b725564c5357" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c36cd67d-763d-4104-b341-283494892360" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_EquityEarningsFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_f105497d-b006-4d2c-90bd-4007219db0bf" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_EquityEarningsFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c36cd67d-763d-4104-b341-283494892360" xlink:to="loc_sjw_EquityEarningsFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_f105497d-b006-4d2c-90bd-4007219db0bf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_f558be04-0c57-4c65-987e-cfb75dcc0392" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c36cd67d-763d-4104-b341-283494892360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_f558be04-0c57-4c65-987e-cfb75dcc0392" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_b582bd36-5a0f-43de-9467-f29dbc849bba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c36cd67d-763d-4104-b341-283494892360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_b582bd36-5a0f-43de-9467-f29dbc849bba" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_GainLossOnDispositionOfPropertyPlantEquipmentExcludingOilAndGasPropertyAndTimberPropertyAndOnSaleOfInvestmentRealEstate_cd5a1e4a-d341-4a8b-97f7-abee84767b3a" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_GainLossOnDispositionOfPropertyPlantEquipmentExcludingOilAndGasPropertyAndTimberPropertyAndOnSaleOfInvestmentRealEstate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c36cd67d-763d-4104-b341-283494892360" xlink:to="loc_sjw_GainLossOnDispositionOfPropertyPlantEquipmentExcludingOilAndGasPropertyAndTimberPropertyAndOnSaleOfInvestmentRealEstate_cd5a1e4a-d341-4a8b-97f7-abee84767b3a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_efbc5ab6-7ae2-40b7-a552-b725564c5357" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_2e5b9e53-c8d8-43ca-bc9e-76881208cb47" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_2e5b9e53-c8d8-43ca-bc9e-76881208cb47" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_IncreaseDecreaseInIntercompanyReceivablesCurrent_fe26a5d2-1eec-4beb-b722-ee594f43e8dc" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_IncreaseDecreaseInIntercompanyReceivablesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:to="loc_sjw_IncreaseDecreaseInIntercompanyReceivablesCurrent_fe26a5d2-1eec-4beb-b722-ee594f43e8dc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable_848a1834-90df-4d86-abee-0e5408ef7215" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable_848a1834-90df-4d86-abee-0e5408ef7215" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_d4f0008a-39e3-400a-9cb0-24cf6aa636fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_d4f0008a-39e3-400a-9cb0-24cf6aa636fc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ProceedsFromReturnOnCapitalFromInvestmentsInSubsidiaries_b90f1281-5522-4e94-8ebe-5a90097fc5f3" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ProceedsFromReturnOnCapitalFromInvestmentsInSubsidiaries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ProceedsFromReturnOnCapitalFromInvestmentsInSubsidiaries_b90f1281-5522-4e94-8ebe-5a90097fc5f3" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_bfb9d2d0-db79-463a-b7b0-d1b111ac3a8e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_2626d01f-5b55-4844-8c6e-524a1c9aa342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_bfb9d2d0-db79-463a-b7b0-d1b111ac3a8e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_aefb906e-9db0-438b-92df-af167603c190" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_efbc5ab6-7ae2-40b7-a552-b725564c5357" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_aefb906e-9db0-438b-92df-af167603c190" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8b233982-5716-4a32-8b43-aa3f14878e94" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8b233982-5716-4a32-8b43-aa3f14878e94" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PaymentsForNoteReceivablesFromSubsidiary_84fc9acd-3a02-4879-ac1e-55f00005f64d" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PaymentsForNoteReceivablesFromSubsidiary"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8b233982-5716-4a32-8b43-aa3f14878e94" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PaymentsForNoteReceivablesFromSubsidiary_84fc9acd-3a02-4879-ac1e-55f00005f64d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ProceedsFromNoteReceivablesFromSubsidiary_ac770625-f977-4ce6-9f71-1f819f7343f5" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ProceedsFromNoteReceivablesFromSubsidiary"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8b233982-5716-4a32-8b43-aa3f14878e94" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ProceedsFromNoteReceivablesFromSubsidiary_ac770625-f977-4ce6-9f71-1f819f7343f5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_26310e0d-b8a4-4154-93f7-6f3507c31df2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8b233982-5716-4a32-8b43-aa3f14878e94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_26310e0d-b8a4-4154-93f7-6f3507c31df2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyHeldForSaleAndFromSaleOfRealEstateInvestments_ef82c074-c9ce-4471-8296-a6e896fe1848" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyHeldForSaleAndFromSaleOfRealEstateInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8b233982-5716-4a32-8b43-aa3f14878e94" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyHeldForSaleAndFromSaleOfRealEstateInvestments_ef82c074-c9ce-4471-8296-a6e896fe1848" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_a132ca07-80ed-41c2-aade-16323b0b5c9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_8b233982-5716-4a32-8b43-aa3f14878e94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_a132ca07-80ed-41c2-aade-16323b0b5c9f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ProceedFromSubsidiaryNotesPayable_7bba4ab0-72cc-4976-b283-7b53112d4cb0" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ProceedFromSubsidiaryNotesPayable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ProceedFromSubsidiaryNotesPayable_7bba4ab0-72cc-4976-b283-7b53112d4cb0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_PaymentsForSubsidiaryNotesPayable_b5cc79bd-1972-42e5-b9df-a9fdc2b7ea7b" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_PaymentsForSubsidiaryNotesPayable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_sjw_PaymentsForSubsidiaryNotesPayable_b5cc79bd-1972-42e5-b9df-a9fdc2b7ea7b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_2343721c-75cf-42a9-bb36-3f5a3f252c13" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_2343721c-75cf-42a9-bb36-3f5a3f252c13" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_962f8916-fa71-4962-8ec2-868af3416ebb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_962f8916-fa71-4962-8ec2-868af3416ebb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_153ae478-2f43-4c13-811a-8dd5604c30c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_153ae478-2f43-4c13-811a-8dd5604c30c7" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_462b7c12-b70b-47f4-9e6a-a686e8672836" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_462b7c12-b70b-47f4-9e6a-a686e8672836" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_75663945-f598-4164-af73-4995908214c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_75663945-f598-4164-af73-4995908214c8" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_692c35d5-f713-42fd-8500-c3c685b0ca9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_0c03d09b-0f18-4279-9831-8788d9203864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_692c35d5-f713-42fd-8500-c3c685b0ca9e" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_bbc3045c-9f34-481a-9a18-91079dc4366d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_bbc3045c-9f34-481a-9a18-91079dc4366d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a8e7f5e9-46be-4fcf-9c36-1ed34310dc22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_a8e7f5e9-46be-4fcf-9c36-1ed34310dc22" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_c153c8f8-cb80-4559-8b0f-870754008764" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_8387dda1-d541-416f-aafe-c0ab0f0b2ffa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_8387dda1-d541-416f-aafe-c0ab0f0b2ffa" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_3072001f-5afc-4bbe-a872-baa27f5b820d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_8387dda1-d541-416f-aafe-c0ab0f0b2ffa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_3072001f-5afc-4bbe-a872-baa27f5b820d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_13f4d920-d7a0-4326-96ee-dd9016ca3124" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_8387dda1-d541-416f-aafe-c0ab0f0b2ffa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_13f4d920-d7a0-4326-96ee-dd9016ca3124" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_bb3e467e-1ad2-4884-85ec-b633d5cc14d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_bb3e467e-1ad2-4884-85ec-b633d5cc14d0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationFromInvestmentInSubsidiaries_cad463ef-dba7-4124-8549-0e2cf51cf66f" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_ShareBasedCompensationFromInvestmentInSubsidiaries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_bb3e467e-1ad2-4884-85ec-b633d5cc14d0" xlink:to="loc_sjw_ShareBasedCompensationFromInvestmentInSubsidiaries_cad463ef-dba7-4124-8549-0e2cf51cf66f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_d62457d8-f173-48c0-9b78-5b026b1e03dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34fddef2-8034-413a-8667-286af6327ff0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_d62457d8-f173-48c0-9b78-5b026b1e03dd" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4f9e339e-090f-4a9e-8774-c253f6abb221" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_d62457d8-f173-48c0-9b78-5b026b1e03dd" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4f9e339e-090f-4a9e-8774-c253f6abb221" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4f9e339e-090f-4a9e-8774-c253f6abb221_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4f9e339e-090f-4a9e-8774-c253f6abb221" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4f9e339e-090f-4a9e-8774-c253f6abb221_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7d532dae-beb5-411f-a81a-a3f7dcce29c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4f9e339e-090f-4a9e-8774-c253f6abb221" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7d532dae-beb5-411f-a81a-a3f7dcce29c0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_1cab4848-ad1d-497c-baa4-0c6a8d928503" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7d532dae-beb5-411f-a81a-a3f7dcce29c0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_1cab4848-ad1d-497c-baa4-0c6a8d928503" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.sjwater.com/role/ValuationandQualifyingAccountsandReservesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#ValuationandQualifyingAccountsandReservesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.sjwater.com/role/ValuationandQualifyingAccountsandReservesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i8ed6ac52e2e84be490c6032afe89bdfa_ValuationandQualifyingAccountsandReservesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_854c3a0e-5f11-4191-b0fe-1eefd654f280" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_854c3a0e-5f11-4191-b0fe-1eefd654f280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_6a5f3748-07e5-471c-814f-5d0259da2389" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_6a5f3748-07e5-471c-814f-5d0259da2389" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_c0d23591-f460-4bc1-ba3f-bfb32c73f687" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_c0d23591-f460-4bc1-ba3f-bfb32c73f687" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sjw_SECSchedule1209ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToRegulatoryAssets_8e409eb4-1b3e-4f19-9113-4111f85c2d90" xlink:href="sjw-20221231.xsd#sjw_SECSchedule1209ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToRegulatoryAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:to="loc_sjw_SECSchedule1209ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToRegulatoryAssets_8e409eb4-1b3e-4f19-9113-4111f85c2d90" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_feb2366a-7ac4-4059-a83d-8dc97d734d03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_feb2366a-7ac4-4059-a83d-8dc97d734d03" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries_30849116-ae02-45c7-ac14-72bb9e5b091c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries_30849116-ae02-45c7-ac14-72bb9e5b091c" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_7e2b058a-2d14-42fe-9ce1-9c5910a16fbc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_1ed85d4f-59c2-4314-b5ce-66f39cc9162c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_7e2b058a-2d14-42fe-9ce1-9c5910a16fbc" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_f09bcf62-4e29-49e5-a84d-2ed7bf52f08c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_ea0ddf29-a4d8-42cd-accc-91a4c08b9bb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_854c3a0e-5f11-4191-b0fe-1eefd654f280" xlink:to="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_ea0ddf29-a4d8-42cd-accc-91a4c08b9bb2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_8b6531e9-ef2c-4dbe-bb41-d6aa09aca562" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_ea0ddf29-a4d8-42cd-accc-91a4c08b9bb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_8b6531e9-ef2c-4dbe-bb41-d6aa09aca562" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_8b6531e9-ef2c-4dbe-bb41-d6aa09aca562_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_8b6531e9-ef2c-4dbe-bb41-d6aa09aca562" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_8b6531e9-ef2c-4dbe-bb41-d6aa09aca562_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_31421fb5-71aa-4dd7-b3aa-30c6197bf190" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_8b6531e9-ef2c-4dbe-bb41-d6aa09aca562" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_31421fb5-71aa-4dd7-b3aa-30c6197bf190" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_b52b052c-5040-48d0-9172-d8aaaf1a739c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_31421fb5-71aa-4dd7-b3aa-30c6197bf190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_b52b052c-5040-48d0-9172-d8aaaf1a739c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LegalReserveMember_4afdbc0a-59ef-43e2-b8c3-ef2b2410cb57" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LegalReserveMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_31421fb5-71aa-4dd7-b3aa-30c6197bf190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LegalReserveMember_4afdbc0a-59ef-43e2-b8c3-ef2b2410cb57" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
