<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII" standalone="no"?>
    <!-- Field: Doc-Info; Name: Generator; Value: GoFiler Complete; Version: 3.1h -->
    <!-- Field: Doc-Info; Name: VendorURI; Value: http://www.novaworks.co -->
    <!-- Field: Doc-Info; Name: Source; Value: MSEX_12312011_NEW.xfr; Date: 2012/03/08T14:36:25 -->
    <!-- Field: Doc-Info; Name: Status; Value: 0x00000000 -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsParenthetical" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAndLong-TermDebt" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAndLong-TermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAndLong-TermDebtParenthetical" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAndLong-TermDebtParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCommonStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCommonStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/OrganizationSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentDevelopments" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#OrganizationSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentDevelopments" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/RateMatters" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#RateMatters" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingentLiabilities" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingentLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/Short-TermBorrowings" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#Short-TermBorrowings" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/Capitalization" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#Capitalization" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/BusinessSegmentData" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#BusinessSegmentData" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:roleRef roleURI="http://middlesexwater.com/role/QuarterlyOperatingResults-Unaudited" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#QuarterlyOperatingResults-Unaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:title="0001 - Document - Document and Entity Information">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityRegistrantName" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityRegistrantName" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityCentralIndexKey" />
      <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDocumentType" />
      <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDocumentType" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDocumentPeriodEndDate" />
      <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAmendmentFlag" />
      <link:presentationArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAmendmentFlag" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCurrentFiscalYearEndDate" />
      <link:presentationArc order="50" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" />
      <link:presentationArc order="60" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityVoluntaryFilers" />
      <link:presentationArc order="70" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityCurrentReportingStatus" />
      <link:presentationArc order="80" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityFilerCategory" />
      <link:presentationArc order="90" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityFilerCategory" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityPublicFloat" />
      <link:presentationArc order="100" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityPublicFloat" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
      <link:presentationArc order="110" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" />
      <link:presentationArc order="120" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDocumentFiscalYearFocus" />
      <link:presentationArc order="130" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXDocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="arc" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:title="0002 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED  BALANCE SHEETS">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAssetsAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAssetsAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGenerationOrProcessing" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGenerationOrProcessing" />
      <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGenerationOrProcessing" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistribution" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistribution" />
      <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionAndDistribution" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
      <link:presentationArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress" />
      <link:presentationArc order="50" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPlantInService" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPlantInService" />
      <link:presentationArc order="60" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPlantInService" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation" />
      <link:presentationArc order="70" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
      <link:presentationArc order="80" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXPropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="90" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="100" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAccountsReceivableNetCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="110" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_UnbilledRevenues" xlink:label="loc_MSEXUnbilledRevenues" />
      <link:presentationArc order="120" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXUnbilledRevenues" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventory" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesInventory" />
      <link:presentationArc order="130" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesInventory" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPrepaidExpenseCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="140" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="150" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="160" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_MSEXUnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" />
      <link:presentationArc order="170" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXUnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_PreliminarySurveyAndInvestigationCharges" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPreliminarySurveyAndInvestigationCharges" />
      <link:presentationArc order="180" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPreliminarySurveyAndInvestigationCharges" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="190" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_OperationsAndDeveloperContractsFeesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOperationsAndDeveloperContractsFeesReceivable" />
      <link:presentationArc order="200" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOperationsAndDeveloperContractsFeesReceivable" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="210" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_NonUtilityAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNonUtilityAssetsNet" />
      <link:presentationArc order="220" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNonUtilityAssetsNet" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOtherAssetsNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="230" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="240" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAssets" />
      <link:presentationArc order="250" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAssets" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="270" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="280" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockValue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="290" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockValue" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
      <link:presentationArc order="300" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_TotalCommonEquity" xlink:label="loc_MSEXTotalCommonEquity" />
      <link:presentationArc order="310" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXTotalCommonEquity" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_PrefStockVal" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPrefStockVal" />
      <link:presentationArc order="320" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPrefStockVal" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="330" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
      <link:presentationArc order="340" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="360" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="370" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:label="loc_MSEXShortTermBorrowings" />
      <link:presentationArc order="380" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXShortTermBorrowings" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAccountsPayableCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="390" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="400" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_AccruedInterest" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAccruedInterest" />
      <link:presentationArc order="410" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAccruedInterest" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDeferredRevenueCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="420" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="430" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="440" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommitmentsAndContingencies" />
      <link:presentationArc order="460" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="480" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerAdvancesForConstruction" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCustomerAdvancesForConstruction" />
      <link:presentationArc order="490" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCustomerAdvancesForConstruction" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit" />
      <link:presentationArc order="500" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="510" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="520" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_RegulatoryLiabilityCostOfUtilityPlantRemoval" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRegulatoryLiabilityCostOfUtilityPlantRemoval" />
      <link:presentationArc order="530" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRegulatoryLiabilityCostOfUtilityPlantRemoval" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="540" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="550" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContributionsInAidOfConstruction" xlink:label="loc_MSEXContributionsInAidOfConstruction" />
      <link:presentationArc order="560" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXContributionsInAidOfConstruction" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
      <link:presentationArc order="580" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:title="0003 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOperatingExpensesAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_OperationsAndMaintenance" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOperationsAndMaintenance" />
      <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXOperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOperationsAndMaintenance" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationAndAmortization" />
      <link:presentationArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXOperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCostOfGoodsSoldDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_OtherTaxes" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOtherTaxes" />
      <link:presentationArc order="50" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXOperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOtherTaxes" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOperatingExpenses" />
      <link:presentationArc order="70" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOperatingExpenses" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOperatingIncomeLoss" />
      <link:presentationArc order="90" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="110" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAdditions" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAdditions" />
      <link:presentationArc order="120" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAdditions" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOtherIncome" />
      <link:presentationArc order="130" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOtherIncome" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOtherExpenses" />
      <link:presentationArc order="140" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOtherExpenses" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
      <link:presentationArc order="160" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_MSEXInterestExpense" />
      <link:presentationArc order="180" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXInterestExpense" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
      <link:presentationArc order="200" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
      <link:presentationArc order="220" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_MSEXProfitLoss" />
      <link:presentationArc order="240" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXProfitLoss" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" />
      <link:presentationArc order="260" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
      <link:presentationArc order="280" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="300" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareBasic" />
      <link:presentationArc order="310" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareDiluted" />
      <link:presentationArc order="320" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_AverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="340" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_MSEXWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
      <link:presentationArc order="350" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_MSEXWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
      <link:presentationArc order="360" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" />
      <link:presentationArc order="380" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:type="arc" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:title="0004 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_MSEXProfitLoss" />
      <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXProfitLoss" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
      <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
      <link:presentationArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_EquityPortionOfAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAFUDC" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEquityPortionOfAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAFUDC" />
      <link:presentationArc order="50" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEquityPortionOfAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionAFUDC" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="60" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_MSEXShareBasedCompensation" />
      <link:presentationArc order="70" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="80" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" />
      <link:presentationArc order="90" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables" />
      <link:presentationArc order="100" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories" />
      <link:presentationArc order="110" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense" />
      <link:presentationArc order="120" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" />
      <link:presentationArc order="130" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable" />
      <link:presentationArc order="140" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" />
      <link:presentationArc order="150" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations" />
      <link:presentationArc order="160" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="170" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" />
      <link:presentationArc order="180" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" />
      <link:presentationArc order="200" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="220" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireWaterAndWasteWaterSystems" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPaymentsToAcquireWaterAndWasteWaterSystems" />
      <link:presentationArc order="230" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPaymentsToAcquireWaterAndWasteWaterSystems" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" />
      <link:presentationArc order="240" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" />
      <link:presentationArc order="250" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" />
      <link:presentationArc order="270" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="290" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" />
      <link:presentationArc order="300" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_MSEXProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" />
      <link:presentationArc order="310" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_MSEXProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" />
      <link:presentationArc order="320" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" />
      <link:presentationArc order="330" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" />
      <link:presentationArc order="340" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRestrictedCashFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_MSEXProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRestrictedCashFinancingActivities" />
      <link:presentationArc order="350" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRestrictedCashFinancingActivities" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="360" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="370" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="380" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfDividends" />
      <link:presentationArc order="390" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPaymentsOfDividends" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction" xlink:label="loc_MSEXProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction" />
      <link:presentationArc order="400" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" />
      <link:presentationArc order="420" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
      <link:presentationArc order="440" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="450" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_2" />
      <link:presentationArc order="460" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXNetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalCashFlowElementsAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAdditionalCashFlowElementsAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="490" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAdditionalCashFlowElementsAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_UtilityPlantReceivedAsConstructionAdvancesAndContributions" xlink:label="loc_MSEXUtilityPlantReceivedAsConstructionAdvancesAndContributions" />
      <link:presentationArc order="500" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAdditionalCashFlowElementsAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXUtilityPlantReceivedAsConstructionAdvancesAndContributions" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_LongtermDebtDeobligation" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLongtermDebtDeobligation" />
      <link:presentationArc order="510" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXAdditionalCashFlowElementsAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLongtermDebtDeobligation" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXSupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="530" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXSupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_CashPaidDuringYearForAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCashPaidDuringYearForAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="540" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCashPaidDuringYearForAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_MSEXInterestPaidNet" />
      <link:presentationArc order="550" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXCashPaidDuringYearForAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXInterestPaidNet" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidCapitalized" xlink:label="loc_MSEXInterestPaidCapitalized" />
      <link:presentationArc order="560" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXCashPaidDuringYearForAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXInterestPaidCapitalized" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxesPaid" />
      <link:presentationArc order="570" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXCashPaidDuringYearForAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsParenthetical" xlink:title="0005 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_AllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstruction" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstruction" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstruction" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAndLong-TermDebt" xlink:title="0006 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementTable" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementTable" order="100" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" order="300" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementClassOfStockAxis" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementClassOfStockAxis" order="200" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" order="200" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCumulativePreferredStockMember" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCumulativePreferredStockMember" order="210" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_ConvertiblePreferredStockSeries7Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries7Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries7Member" order="310" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_ConvertiblePreferredStockSeries8Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries8Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries8Member" order="410" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_NonredeemablePreferredStockSeries7Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries7Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries7Member" order="510" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_NonredeemablePreferredStockSeries475Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries475Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries475Member" order="610" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockValue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockValue" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
      <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_TotalCommonEquity" xlink:label="loc_MSEXTotalCommonEquity" />
      <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXTotalCommonEquity" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPreferredStockValueOutstanding" />
      <link:presentationArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPreferredStockValueOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="60" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N805AmortizingSecuredNoteDueDecember" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN805AmortizingSecuredNoteDueDecember" />
      <link:presentationArc order="70" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN805AmortizingSecuredNoteDueDecember" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N625AmortizingSecuredNoteDueMay192028" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN625AmortizingSecuredNoteDueMay192028" />
      <link:presentationArc order="80" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN625AmortizingSecuredNoteDueMay192028" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_AmortizingSecuredNoteDueAugust252030" xlink:label="loc_MSEXAmortizingSecuredNoteDueAugust252030" />
      <link:presentationArc order="90" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXAmortizingSecuredNoteDueAugust252030" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N646AmortizingSecuredNoteDueSeptember192031" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN646AmortizingSecuredNoteDueSeptember192031" />
      <link:presentationArc order="100" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN646AmortizingSecuredNoteDueSeptember192031" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N403StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueDecember312022" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN403StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueDecember312022" />
      <link:presentationArc order="110" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN403StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueDecember312022" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N330To360StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueMay12025" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN330To360StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueMay12025" />
      <link:presentationArc order="120" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN330To360StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueMay12025" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N349StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJanuary252027" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN349StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJanuary252027" />
      <link:presentationArc order="130" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN349StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJanuary252027" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N422StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueDecember312022" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN422StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueDecember312022" />
      <link:presentationArc order="140" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN422StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueDecember312022" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N400To500StateRevolvingTrustBondDueAugust12021" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN400To500StateRevolvingTrustBondDueAugust12021" />
      <link:presentationArc order="150" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN400To500StateRevolvingTrustBondDueAugust12021" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000StateRevolvingFundBondDueAugust12021" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000StateRevolvingFundBondDueAugust12021" />
      <link:presentationArc order="160" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000StateRevolvingFundBondDueAugust12021" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N364StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJuly12028" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN364StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJuly12028" />
      <link:presentationArc order="170" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN364StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJuly12028" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N364StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJanuary12028" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN364StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJanuary12028" />
      <link:presentationArc order="180" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN364StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJanuary12028" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N345StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueAugust12031" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN345StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueAugust12031" />
      <link:presentationArc order="190" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN345StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueAugust12031" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N659AmortizingSecuredNoteDueApril202029" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN659AmortizingSecuredNoteDueApril202029" />
      <link:presentationArc order="200" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN659AmortizingSecuredNoteDueApril202029" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N705AmortizingSecuredNoteDueJanuary202030" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN705AmortizingSecuredNoteDueJanuary202030" />
      <link:presentationArc order="210" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN705AmortizingSecuredNoteDueJanuary202030" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N569AmortizingSecuredNoteDueJanuary202030" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN569AmortizingSecuredNoteDueJanuary202030" />
      <link:presentationArc order="220" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN569AmortizingSecuredNoteDueJanuary202030" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N375StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJuly12031" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN375StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJuly12031" />
      <link:presentationArc order="230" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN375StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueJuly12031" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N375StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueNovember302030" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN375StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueNovember302030" />
      <link:presentationArc order="240" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN375StateRevolvingTrustNoteDueNovember302030" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" />
      <link:presentationArc order="250" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N520SeriesSDueOctober12022" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN520SeriesSDueOctober12022" />
      <link:presentationArc order="260" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN520SeriesSDueOctober12022" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N525SeriesTDueOctober12023" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN525SeriesTDueOctober12023" />
      <link:presentationArc order="270" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN525SeriesTDueOctober12023" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N525SeriesVDueFebruary12029" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN525SeriesVDueFebruary12029" />
      <link:presentationArc order="280" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN525SeriesVDueFebruary12029" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N535SeriesWDueFebruary12038" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN535SeriesWDueFebruary12038" />
      <link:presentationArc order="290" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN535SeriesWDueFebruary12038" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000SeriesXDueSeptember12018" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000SeriesXDueSeptember12018" />
      <link:presentationArc order="300" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000SeriesXDueSeptember12018" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N425To463SeriesYDueSeptember12018" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN425To463SeriesYDueSeptember12018" />
      <link:presentationArc order="310" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN425To463SeriesYDueSeptember12018" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000SeriesZDueSeptember12019" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000SeriesZDueSeptember12019" />
      <link:presentationArc order="320" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000SeriesZDueSeptember12019" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N525To575SeriesAADueSeptember12019" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN525To575SeriesAADueSeptember12019" />
      <link:presentationArc order="330" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN525To575SeriesAADueSeptember12019" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N400To500SeriesBBDueSeptember12021" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN400To500SeriesBBDueSeptember12021" />
      <link:presentationArc order="340" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN400To500SeriesBBDueSeptember12021" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N400To500SeriesCCDueSeptember12021" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN400To500SeriesCCDueSeptember12021" />
      <link:presentationArc order="350" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN400To500SeriesCCDueSeptember12021" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N510SeriesDDDueJanuary12032" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN510SeriesDDDueJanuary12032" />
      <link:presentationArc order="360" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN510SeriesDDDueJanuary12032" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000SeriesEEDueAugust12023" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000SeriesEEDueAugust12023" />
      <link:presentationArc order="370" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000SeriesEEDueAugust12023" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N300To550SeriesFFDueAugust12024" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN300To550SeriesFFDueAugust12024" />
      <link:presentationArc order="380" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN300To550SeriesFFDueAugust12024" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000SeriesGGDueAugust12026" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000SeriesGGDueAugust12026" />
      <link:presentationArc order="390" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000SeriesGGDueAugust12026" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N400To500SeriesHHDueAugust12026" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN400To500SeriesHHDueAugust12026" />
      <link:presentationArc order="400" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN400To500SeriesHHDueAugust12026" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000SeriesIIDueAugust12024" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000SeriesIIDueAugust12024" />
      <link:presentationArc order="410" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000SeriesIIDueAugust12024" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N340To500SeriesJJDueAugust12027" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN340To500SeriesJJDueAugust12027" />
      <link:presentationArc order="420" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN340To500SeriesJJDueAugust12027" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000SeriesKKDueAugust12028" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000SeriesKKDueAugust12028" />
      <link:presentationArc order="430" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000SeriesKKDueAugust12028" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N500To550SeriesLLDueAugust12028" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN500To550SeriesLLDueAugust12028" />
      <link:presentationArc order="440" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN500To550SeriesLLDueAugust12028" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N000SeriesMMDueAugust12030" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN000SeriesMMDueAugust12030" />
      <link:presentationArc order="450" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN000SeriesMMDueAugust12030" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_N300To4375SeriesNNDueAugust12030" xlink:label="loc_MSEXN300To4375SeriesNNDueAugust12030" />
      <link:presentationArc order="460" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXN300To4375SeriesNNDueAugust12030" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount" />
      <link:presentationArc order="470" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtCurrent" />
      <link:presentationArc order="480" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_MSEXLongTermDebt" />
      <link:presentationArc order="490" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXLongTermDebt" xlink:type="arc" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAndLong-TermDebtParenthetical" xlink:title="0007 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Parenthetical)">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementTable" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCapitalStockAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementTable" order="100" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" order="300" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementClassOfStockAxis" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementClassOfStockAxis" order="200" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" order="200" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCumulativePreferredStockMember" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCumulativePreferredStockMember" order="210" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_ConvertiblePreferredStockSeries7Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries7Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries7Member" order="310" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_ConvertiblePreferredStockSeries8Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries8Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXConvertiblePreferredStockSeries8Member" order="410" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_NonredeemablePreferredStockSeries7Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries7Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries7Member" order="510" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_NonredeemablePreferredStockSeries475Member" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries475Member" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNonredeemablePreferredStockSeries475Member" order="610" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockSharesAuthorized" />
      <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
      <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockNoParValue" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPreferredStockNoParValue" />
      <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPreferredStockNoParValue" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPreferredStockSharesAuthorized" />
      <link:presentationArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_MSEXPreferredStockSharesOutstanding" />
      <link:presentationArc order="50" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXPreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCommonStockholdersEquity" xlink:title="0008 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementTable" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementTable" order="100" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" order="300" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementTable" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="200" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEquityComponentDomain" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="loc_MSEXEquityComponentDomain" order="20000" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockMember" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockMember" order="10" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRetainedEarningsMember" />
      <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRetainedEarningsMember" order="110" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
      <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_MSEXSharesOutstanding" />
      <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_MSEXNetIncomeLoss" />
      <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXNetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" />
      <link:presentationArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" />
      <link:presentationArc order="50" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" />
      <link:presentationArc order="60" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" />
      <link:presentationArc order="70" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" />
      <link:presentationArc order="80" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" />
      <link:presentationArc order="90" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" />
      <link:presentationArc order="100" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
      <link:presentationArc order="110" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDividendsCommonStockCash" />
      <link:presentationArc order="120" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:label="loc_MSEXDividendsPreferredStockCash" />
      <link:presentationArc order="130" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXDividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityOther" />
      <link:presentationArc order="140" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityOther" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_CommonStockExpenses" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommonStockExpenses" />
      <link:presentationArc order="150" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommonStockExpenses" xlink:type="arc" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2" />
      <link:presentationArc order="160" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXStockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_MSEXSharesOutstanding_2" />
      <link:presentationArc order="170" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXStatementLineItems" xlink:to="loc_MSEXSharesOutstanding_2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/OrganizationSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentDevelopments" xlink:title="0009 - Disclosure - Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_OrganizationSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOrganizationSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXOrganizationSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/RateMatters" xlink:title="0010 - Disclosure - Rate Matters">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_RateMattersAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRateMattersAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_RateMattersTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXRateMattersTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXRateMattersAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXRateMattersTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:title="0011 - Disclosure - Income Taxes">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_IncomeTaxesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxesAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingentLiabilities" xlink:title="0012 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_CommitmentsAndContingentLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommitmentsAndContingentLiabilitiesAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXCommitmentsAndContingentLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/Short-TermBorrowings" xlink:title="0013 - Disclosure - Short-term Borrowings">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXShortTermBorrowingsAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXShortTermDebtTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXShortTermBorrowingsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXShortTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/Capitalization" xlink:title="0014 - Disclosure - Capitalization">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_CapitalizationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCapitalizationAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_CapitalizationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCapitalizationTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXCapitalizationAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCapitalizationTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:title="0015 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_EmployeeBenefitPlansAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXEmployeeBenefitPlansAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXCompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXEmployeeBenefitPlansAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXCompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/BusinessSegmentData" xlink:title="0016 - Disclosure - Business Segment Data">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_BusinessSegmentDataAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXBusinessSegmentDataAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXBusinessSegmentDataAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
    <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://middlesexwater.com/role/QuarterlyOperatingResults-Unaudited" xlink:title="0017 - Disclosure - Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited">
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="msex-20111231.xsd#MSEX_QuarterlyOperatingResultsUnauditedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_MSEXQuarterlyOperatingResultsUnauditedAbstract" />
      <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_MSEXQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" />
      <link:presentationArc order="0" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_MSEXQuarterlyOperatingResultsUnauditedAbstract" xlink:to="loc_MSEXQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
