FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2019

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]

Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

All of Artesian Resources’ outstanding long-term debt as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was fixed-rate. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is determined by discounting its future cash flows using current market interest rates on similar instruments with comparable maturities consistent with FASB ASC 825. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of the long-term debt in the table below is classified as Level 2 measurements. Level 2 is valued using observable inputs other than quoted prices. The fair values for long-term debt differ from the carrying values primarily due to interest rates that differ from the current market interest rates. The carrying amount and fair value of Artesian Resources' long-term debt (including current portion) are shown below:

In thousands
	June 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Carrying amount		$	116,816		$	117,587
Estimated fair value		$	125,673		$	116,818