ISELIN, NJ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 09/27/05 -- Dennis G. Sullivan yesterday announced that he will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX), effective January 1, 2006. Mr. Sullivan is to remain on the Company's Board of Directors until the end of his term in May 2006 and serve in a consultant capacity.

Mr. Sullivan has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 2003 and President of the Company since May 2001. He was elected to the Company's Board of Directors in 1999. He joined the Company in 1984 as Corporate Attorney, was named Vice President and General Counsel in 1990 and Senior Vice President in 1999. Under his leadership, the Company achieved numerous milestones including the construction of a second 60-inch diameter raw water pipeline to ensure back-up water supply, further expansion into wastewater, related services and non-regulated operations, consistent double-digit growth in Delaware, installation of solar energy at its New Jersey water treatment plant, heightened security at its facilities, and the integration of several new members into the Company's management team.

Dennis W. Doll, who joined the Company in November 2004 as Executive Vice-President, will assume the responsibilities of President and CEO, and will become a member of the Company's Board of Directors on January 1, 2006. Mr. Doll brings to the company nearly 20 years of diverse experience in both regulated and non-regulated utility management and, prior to joining Middlesex, served as a member of the executive management team of the Northeast Region of American Water, the nation's largest investor-owned water purveyor.

"Middlesex Water Company has a dynamic strategic vision in place for the future in which our customers, employees and shareholders can have every confidence," said Mr. Sullivan. "I am confident in Mr. Doll's strong leadership and his ability to build upon the Company's many achievements," added Sullivan.

Middlesex Water Company , organized in 1897, is an investor-owned water utility and is engaged in the business of supplying water in New Jersey and Delaware for domestic, commercial, industrial and fire protection purposes. For additional information regarding Middlesex Water Company , visit the Company's website at www.middlesexwater.com or call (732) 634-1500.

Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements" regarding the Company's results of operations and financial position. They are based on current information and expectations. Such statements address future plans, objectives, expectations and events concerning various matters such as capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, growth potential, rates, regulatory matters, liquidity, capital resources and accounting matters. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:
Bernadette M. Sohler
Director of Communications
(732) 634-1500