Exhibit 23






            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



We  consent  to  the  incorporation  by  reference in Registration Statement No.
33-11717  on  Form  S-3 of  our  reports  dated  March 16, 2006, relating to the
consolidated  financial  statements  of Middlesex Water Company and management's
report  on  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over financial reporting,
appearing  in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Middlesex Water Company for the
year ended December 31, 2005.





/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Parsippany, New Jersey
March 16, 2006