DOVER, DE -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/23/11 -- Michael Funk of Smyrna, DE, a Sr. Plant Operator for Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has been awarded the Delaware 2010 Operator of the Year Award. Mr. Funk received this honor during a ceremony held on May 5, 2011 at Delaware Technical & Community College, Owens Campus.

The statewide Operator of the Year Awards ceremony serves to highlight the role of Delaware's water and wastewater operators in protecting the environment. Award winners are chosen for their "outstanding technical excellence and exemplary work ethic contributing to the high level of water quality in Delaware."

Mr. Funk has been employed by Tidewater since 2003. In his position, he oversees the operation of a variety of treatment methods every day. In April 2007, Mike was promoted to the position of Senior Operator for the company's Northern District. As the Senior Operator, he is responsible for all of the day-to-day field activities of up to five licensed Operators who maintain over 48 plants within his District.

"We are thrilled that Mike is the eighth Tidewater employee to receive this prestigious honor. Our company has always prided itself on having a team of dedicated employees who work to ensure that the water quality in the State is kept to the highest standards," said Jerry Esposito, President of Tidewater Utilities, Inc.

"Mike is a highly technical Operator. The vast knowledge he possesses about water and wastewater facilities makes him an excellent troubleshooter and a tremendous asset to our other Operators," said Esposito. "His familiarity with the details of the scores of facilities he manages makes him a valuable asset for a company like Tidewater, whose service area covers three counties."

Tidewater, established in 1964, provides service to retail water and wastewater customers, south of the C&D Canal. Presently, the Company provides these services to over 42,000 businesses and homes in Delaware. Through its affiliated companies, Tidewater serves a wide range of water and wastewater services including consulting, contract operations, and maintenance, and bulk water supply. Tidewater is a subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX). Visit our website at www.tuiwater.com.

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

Source: Tidewater Utilities