Albion wants 40-year commitment from municipal water customers

Photo by Tom Rivers – The water storage tank on Route 98 in Gaines is part of Albion’s water distribution system.

ALBION – The Village of Albion is the main municipal water provider for central Orleans County, but the village faces increasing pressure from much-larger spreading systems in neighboring counties.

The Monroe County Water Authority supplies water to parts of eastern Orleans and the Niagara County Water District supplies part of western Orleans, including the Village of Medina. Those water organizations try to lock water customers into long-term contracts.

Albion has historically had agreements with its town customers for no more than five years. The village now wants to follow the example of Monroe County Water Authority and secure 40-year commitments.

The issue was raised during a joint meeting on Monday between village and town of Albion officials.

Albion Town Supervisor Matt Passarell said he is open to a long-term deal with the village, which has a water plant in Carlton that treats water from Lake Ontario. Passarell said he wants to support the village and assets within the county.

The current deal with the village expires in May, giving the town time to consider a new contract.

The village and town are also discussing having village employees maintain the town water lines.