DOVER, DE -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 06/06/06 -- Lynda A. Messick, President and CEO of Community Bank Delaware, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. Ms. Messick previously served Delaware National Bank as President and Chief Operating Officer, where she was responsible for all aspects of commercial banking including operations, compliance, marketing, corporate, lending and retail. Community Bank Delaware is a newly formed entity presently serving the Delaware coastal community. Ms. Messick has been active in the Delaware banking arena for over 33 years. She is active in a number of community and other organizations including the American Red Cross, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, and the Sussex County Land Trust.

"Lynda Messick brings a comprehensive business background to our board," said Tidewater President Gerard L. Esposito. "We are honored that she will be serving on our board and are confident that her experience and leadership will greatly aid Tidewater in continuing its strong commitment to providing quality service to our customers," added Esposito.

Tidewater Utilities, Inc., headquartered in Dover, DE, provides service to about 29,000 retail water customers, south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. Tidewater, established in 1964, operates 87 water plants and more than 183 wells in 271 communities throughout Delaware, in addition to providing wastewater utility and contract operation services through wholly owned affiliated companies.

Tidewater Utilities, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX), a New Jersey provider of water, wastewater and related services. Visit the Tidewater Utilities, Inc. website at www.tuiwater.com. For information about Middlesex Water, visit www.middlesexwater.com.

CONTACT:
Gerard L. Esposito, President
Carol Murphy, Community Affairs Manager
(302) 734-7500