ISELIN, NJ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/19/10 -- Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX) has announced the appointment of Richard M. Risoldi as Vice President - Operations and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2010. Mr. Risoldi has overall responsibility for water and wastewater operations across the various Middlesex entities. He was named to the position following the retirement of Ronald F. Williams, who held the office since 1995.

Risoldi, age 53, brings more than twenty-five years of experience in water and wastewater operations to his new position. Mr. Risoldi joined the Company in 1989 and was promoted to Director of Production in 1998 where he was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Company's treatment and pumping facilities. He was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Operations in 2003 and named Vice President - Subsidiary Operations in May 2004, with responsibility for regulated subsidiary operations and business development. Mr. Risoldi serves as President and Board Member of Pinelands Water and Wastewater Companies, Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. and Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc. He also serves as Director and Corporate Officer for the Company's Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater Utilities, Inc., Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. and White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc.

Mr. Risoldi was formally employed by the City of Trenton Water Department as the Chief of Water Quality and with the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission as Assistant Supervisor of Water Quality.

"As our company continues to evolve, Rick's versatility in water and wastewater operations, technology and business development will be invaluable in helping us execute our plans for growth and further operational excellence," said Dennis W. Doll, President and Chief Executive Officer. "I congratulate Rick on his new role and I look forward to the further value I expect he will contribute to the company and its customers, employees and shareholders," said Doll.

Mr. Risoldi's professional affiliations include the American Water Works Association (New Jersey Section), the Water Environment Federation and the New Jersey Utilities Association. A professional licensed operator in NJ and PA, he holds a B.S. in Science from Rutgers University.

Middlesex Water Company, organized in 1897, provides regulated and unregulated water and wastewater utility services in New Jersey and Delaware through various subsidiary companies. For additional information regarding Middlesex Water Company, visit the Company's web site at www.middlesexwater.com or call (732) 634-1500.

This release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, our long-term strategy and expectations, the status of our acquisition program, the impact of our acquisitions, the impact of current and projected rate requests and the impact of our capital program on our environmental compliance. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including: general economic business conditions, unfavorable weather conditions, the success of certain cost containment initiatives, changes in regulations or regulatory treatment, availability and the cost of capital, the success of growth initiatives and other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1156336

Contact:
Bernadette Sohler
Vice President - Corporate Affairs
Middlesex Water Company
1500 Ronson Road
Iselin, New Jersey  08830
(732) 638-7549