TIDEWATER ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 

CONTACT: Gerard L. Esposito, President or Carol S. Murphy, Customer/Community Outreach Coordinator (302) 734-7500

DOVER, DELAWARE (December, 2004) -- Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (TUI), which provides water service throughout the State of Delaware, recently announced its Employees of the Year during the Company's annual holiday event held on December  10, 2004. This year’s award went to two individuals. Clarence Quillen of Frankford and John Eckeard of Odessa, DE. Mr. Quillen is District Manager of Tidewater’s southern Sussex County operations, and has worked for Tidewater for 10 years. Mr. Eckeard has been with the company for 4 years and was recently promoted to Sr. Meter Reader. Both employees were recognized for their leadership and dedication to the company and also their conscientious work throughout the year in 2004.

 TIDEWATER ALSO ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES TO ITS GROWING STAFF 
 

Tidewater continues to systematically implement system-wide improvements to most of its 91 different water plants.  Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has recently increased its staff to provide enhanced water quality and service to its customers in Kent, New Castle and Sussex Counties. Joining the Company within the past quarter is:

Clevon Thompson – Meter Reader

Tina Gardner – Customer Service Representative

Russell Bender – Maintenance Mechanic

“We’re delighted to welcome these individuals to the Tidewater family,” said Gerard L. Esposito, President, Tidewater Utilities, Inc.  “Their qualifications, expertise and commitment will help us to continue the progress we have made in providing quality water service throughout the state.”