ISELIN, NJ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/04/05 -- Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share on its common stock, which represents an increase of $0.25 per share over the prior quarterly rate. The new dividend rate is payable December 1, 2005 to shareholders of record as of November 15, 2005. This marks the 34th consecutive year of Middlesex Water dividend increases. The Company has paid cash dividends in varying amounts continually since 1912. Middlesex Water has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) under which dividends and optional cash payments can be used to purchase additional shares of Common Stock. The Company is currently offering shares of its Common Stock at a 5% discount to participants in the Company's DRP Plan. This offer applies to all purchases under the Plan made between June 1, 2005 and December 1, 2005, whether by optional cash payment or dividend reinvestment. To be eligible for the December discount, funds must be received by the Transfer Agent no later than November 20, 2005.

Based in Iselin, New Jersey, Middlesex Water is a regulated water utility serving customers in central and southern New Jersey and in Delaware. The Company provides water, wastewater and related services in New Jersey and Delaware through subsidiary corporations.

For additional information regarding Middlesex Water Company , visit the Company's website at www.middlesexwater.com or call (732) 634-1500.

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