DOVER, DE--(Marketwire - Oct 5, 2012) -  Tidewater Utilities, Inc. recently presented checks to The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) and Delaware Wild Lands Inc. the result of proceeds raised during its 5^th Annual Golf Tournament held August 13 at the Heritage Shores Golf Course in Bridgeville, DE. Total donation from the event was $12,754 with each group receiving $6,377.00.

"This year, through our tournament, we were pleased to support two organizations whose efforts preserve some of Delaware's most precious assets -- its waterways and marine life and wild lands," said Jerry Esposito, President, Tidewater Utilities, Inc. "We thank all those who supported the outing. Their commitment to Delaware's environment is equally matched by their desire to build stronger communities," added Esposito.

MERR is a non-profit public organization founded in 2000 for the purpose of providing rescue and response for marine mammals and sea turtles stranding in Delaware. MERR is committed to the preservation of these species and their habitat through education and enhanced public awareness. Delaware Wild Lands Inc. was founded in 1961, they have protected or deed restricted 30,000 acres of land in Delaware, 20,000 of which they currently own and actively manage. Building on this great legacy of protected land, they take pride in also working to restore and enhance the natural benefits offered by these lands, including wildlife habitat, filtration of water and air, recharge of aquifers, storage of floodwaters, and storm protection, while also sustaining traditional human uses of the landscape.

"Donations from companies like Tidewater who care greatly about the environment allow our organization to continue its work to help educate the public on the importance of a healthy ocean and its tie to healthy marine life," said Suzanne Thurman, Executive Director of MERR.

"Tidewater's support for our organization demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to a strong and healthy environment," said Kate Hackett, Executive Director of Delaware Wild Lands. 

Sponsors for the tournament included, George & Lynch, Inc., IG Burton Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep and support sponsor Sensus Metering.

Tidewater, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: [ MSEX ]), was established in 1964 and provides a wide range of water and wastewater services including consulting, contract operations and maintenance, and bulk water supply. For more information about Tidewater, visit [ www.tuiwater.com ] or call 800-523-7224.

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