TIDEWATER UTILITIES, INC. NAMED “BEST IN THE BUSINESS” FOR ITS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

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

Dover, DE (May 3, 2006) Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater) has been named “Best in the Business” by the Wilmington News Journal for its leadership in community involvement and active participation and commitment in its service community.  Tidewater, established in 1964, provides service to more than 28,000 retail water customers, south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. 

Tidewater works as an active community partner striving to improve the quality of life in its service areas.  The Company is committed to supporting local initiatives by providing resources and in-kind support, participating in numerous civic and community activities, serving on volunteer boards, and through public education.

“At Tidewater, we believe the strength of our Company is directly connected to the strength of the communities we serve,” said Carol Murphy, Community Affairs Manager.  “Our focus on social services, education and the environment is helping to build our communities and to provide opportunities for children who will become tomorrow’s leaders,” she added.

Tidewater, through its affiliated companies, provides a wide range of water and wastewater services including consulting, contract operations, maintenance, bulk water supply and water service line maintenance.     Tidewater is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX).  For more information, visit our website at www.tuiwater.com