DOVER, Del., Feb.  27, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), a water service provider and wholly owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company, today announced that it has received approval from

MSEX

Tidewater Utilities Announces Customer Bill Credit Using PFAS Litigation Proceeds

Tidewater's $1.1 million customer refund reflects effective regulatory engagement

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>DOVER, Del., Feb.  27, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), a water service provider and wholly owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company, today announced that it has received approval from</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Tidewater Utilities, a subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company, is distributing a one-time bill credit of $1.1 million to address PFAS contamination litigation proceeds. This proactive measure emphasizes the company&#039;s commitment to regulatory compliance and maintaining service quality, potentially enhancing customer loyalty and mitigating future regulatory risks.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Middlesex Water&#039;s Tidewater approved to refund $1.1 million to customers.</li><li>Eligible customers will see an average credit of $18.75 in March 2026.</li><li>Refund funded by litigation proceeds from PFAS contamination cases.</li><li>Proactive steps taken for PFAS monitoring and treatment, ensuring safe drinking water.</li><li>Company&#039;s commitment to balancing affordability and infrastructure investment showcased.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (N/A)</strong>: Wholly owned by Middlesex; its actions directly impact MSEX&#039;s reputation.</li><li><strong>Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)</strong>: MSEX&#039;s customer engagement and investment strategies are underscored by Tidewater&#039;s actions.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This news fits &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as it highlights Middlesex Water’s strategic focus on customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance. Such initiatives are crucial for maintaining competitive positioning in the water utility sector.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Successful implementation of the credit may boost customer retention.</li><li>Continued investments in PFAS monitoring can reduce regulatory risks.</li><li>Positive public perception could lead to increased demand for services.</li><li>Future litigation outcomes could further impact financial health.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Tidewater will issue $1.1 million in refunds starting March 2026.</li><li>Average bill credit per customer is estimated at $18.75.</li><li>Tidewater serves approximately 62,000 customers in Delaware.</li><li>Middlesex Water Company has been operational since 1897.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>MSEX may see positive sentiment due to customer-centric initiatives and regulatory compliance.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/styles/gnw_nitf.css"></link><p>DOVER, Del., Feb.  27, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), a water service provider and wholly owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company, today announced that it has received approval from the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) to refund approximately $1.1 million to customers through a one-time bill credit. The refund is funded by proceeds Tidewater received from litigation addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ("PFAS") contamination.</p>  <p>Tidewater will issue the one-time credit to eligible customers on their March 2026 water bills. Based on current estimates, the average bill credit for customers is expected to be $18.75 per customer and will appear as a line-item credit on the customer's monthly statement.</p>  <p>"We appreciate the Commission's review and approval of this refund, which allows us to return these proceeds directly to our customers," said Bruce E. Patrick, President of Tidewater. "PFAS treatment requires significant and ongoing investment, and these funds help offset those costs while ensuring customers receive a direct benefit from the litigation proceeds."</p>  <p>Tidewater has taken proactive steps to monitor, test, and treat PFAS across its water systems, consistent with evolving regulatory standards and industry best practices. These efforts represent a substantial and necessary investment to protect public health and ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable drinking water.</p>  <p>The approved customer credit reflects Tidewater's disciplined approach to regulatory engagement, financial stewardship, and long-term infrastructure planning, while balancing customer affordability with the company's responsibility to maintain and enhance its systems.</p>  <p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used for decades in a variety of industrial and consumer applications, including firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant materials. Due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS can accumulate over time and may be detected in drinking water sources, prompting increased regulatory oversight nationwide.</p>  <p>Additional information regarding the March bill credit will be shared directly with customers.</p>  <p><strong>About Tidewater Utilities, Inc.</strong></p>  <p>Tidewater Utilities, Inc. ("Tidewater"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company, is celebrating over 60 years of service to Delawareans. Tidewater is the largest private water supplier south of the Chesapeake &amp; Delaware Canal, operating 172 active wells and 85 water treatment facilities serving approximately 62,000 customers across more than 480 communities in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.</p>  <p><strong>About Middlesex Water Company</strong></p>  <p>Middlesex Water Company ("Middlesex") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSEX">MSEX</a>) is one of the nation's leading investor-owned water and wastewater utilities. Founded in 1897, Middlesex provides essential water and wastewater services to more than half a million people in New Jersey and Delaware. The company is committed to operational excellence, superior customer experience, responsible infrastructure investment, and selective and sustainable growth.</p>  <p><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br></br>Summer DeFEO, Director of Communications<br></br>Phone: 732-638-7510 <br></br><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Yj7n3iRQzYjOkjEF1mQ6ghQKOBDJB8MM8AE6DOelZvOi031tpO_ZXn6IJRuDczgVLJtePRmkT3DTp6ZuAmgs3VlOfngONw-3_-7u_ZqB6Qcsd_pLKGNCetr4MUYmmstk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sdefeo@middlesexwater.com</a></p> <img alt="" class="__GNW8366DE3E__IMG" src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTY2MjMyNCM3NDU3NjkyIzIwMjA3MDU="></img> <br></br><img alt="" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/MzE3ZDJiOWEtMDhiOC00M2EwLWE2MGQtOTZkMGQwZmFkZWU5LTEwMzIwOTEtMjAyNi0wMi0yNy1lbg==/tiny/Middlesex-Water-Company.png" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></img><p><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09680b6c-76a9-473a-9eaf-23a286d0a0a3"><img src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/09680b6c-76a9-473a-9eaf-23a286d0a0a3/small/middlesex-water-company-logo.gif" border="0" width="150" height="68" alt="Primary Logo"></img></a></p>

Tidewater Utilities, a subsidiary of Middlesex Water Company, is distributing a one-time bill credit of $1.1 million to address PFAS contamination litigation proceeds. This proactive measure emphasizes the company's commitment to regulatory compliance and maintaining service quality, potentially enhancing customer loyalty and mitigating future regulatory risks.

Tidewater Utilities Announces Customer Bill Credit Using PFAS Litigation Proceeds

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

Related News