ISELIN, NJ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/18/08 -- Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX) today announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Maryland Environmental Service (MES) for the operation and maintenance of certain facilities in that state. Middlesex Water, a leading provider of water, wastewater and related services in New Jersey and Delaware, is currently developing water and wastewater projects in Maryland through its Delaware subsidiary, Tidewater Utilities, Inc. As Middlesex develops projects or acquires new systems in Maryland, MES, a preeminent operator of water and wastewater systems in Maryland, is expected to operate certain of these systems for Middlesex as a contract partner.

Middlesex Water, established in 1897, owns and operates regulated water utility and wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. It also operates water and wastewater systems under contract on behalf of municipal and private clients in New Jersey and Delaware.

MES was created in 1970 to protect Maryland's air, land and water resources. An independent state agency, MES works with government and private sector clients on projects including water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, recycling and dredged material management.

"The MOU with Maryland Environmental Service, already a licensed operator in Maryland, is a significant step in our growth plans in Maryland," said Dennis W. Doll, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We recognized that MES's focus on providing high quality, affordable water and wastewater services, combined with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, closely mirrors our own philosophy. Our combined operational strength coupled with Middlesex's access to the capital markets and MES's local and regional knowledge will help ensure these goals are met."

Middlesex Water intends to utilize MES for the operation and maintenance of treatment, collection and distribution systems and plants and may request additional services including obtaining permits, installation of new water/wastewater services and construction inspection.

"We are pleased to be working with Middlesex Water, a leading full-service company that shares our commitment to providing sound, technical innovative water and wastewater solutions," said Jim Harkins, Director of MES. "We are certain that this partnership will benefit the people and the environment of the State of Maryland."

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

Contact:
Bernadette Sohler
Vice President - Corporate Affairs
Middlesex Water Company
1500 Ronson Road
Iselin, New Jersey  08830
www.middlesexwater.com