Westville Lake is about eight miles to the east of Alliance. It's actually three separate lakes, as anyone who lives there knows. Residents are often asked the question, which lake do you live on…the first, second or third. It's a little confusing to us city slickers which lake comes first. And even though the City of Alliance owns Westville Lake(s), the folks who live at the lake are not considered residents of the City of Alliance.

By owning the lake, the city assures itself of an alternative source of water, should one ever become necessary. But the city doesn't actually run the activities and events that take place at the lake. The "hunting, fishing, bathing, boating and amusement rights of the Westville Reservoir property shall be leased…", according to Chapter 933 of the City of Alliance Codified Ordinances. Currently, Mike Runzo is the lease holder at Westville Lake.

According to the Codified Ordinance, the lease holder has to live at or near or in the immediate vicinity of the lake. They must "own, manage, and operate all concessions." They also have to "watch over and protect the City's property at the lake." They must patrol the lake twice a week in spring and summer and once a week in the fall and winter. They have to guard the waters from pollution, protect the valves at the dam, and provide a lifeguard at the swimming area.

The lessee also has the exclusive right to the "hunting, fishing, bathing, boating and amusement privileges" at the lake. The Alliance water distribution superintendent and the Safety Service Director still have the ultimate say in what goes on at the lake. And the lessee still must abide by the state and city Boards of Health rules and regulations.

No boats are allowed on the lake before June 15, except for the patrol boat or other special event or official use boats. No speed-boats or motors over 7.5 horsepower are permitted. There are several special fishing events that are held at Westville Lake, with the Sea of Lights tournaments being the most popular. Ten percent of all money collected for fishing fees at the lake has to go for restocking of the fish in the lake or for weed control or other improvements to the lake. These improvements have to be approved by the Safety Service Director and the water distribution superintendent.

"The waters of the lake are primarily for the use of the City and the amusement rights are to be exercised only when they do not conflict in any way with the providing of an adequate supply of pure water for the City." The city has the right to withdraw water at any time and to take whatever precautions are necessary to protect the safety of the water.

If you haven't taken time to see Westville Lake, spring is a great time to visit. Just go east on Rt. 62 for about 8 miles. There's a traffic light at the intersection of Rt. 165. If you turn right (south) and go less than half a mile, you'll be at the lake. Or maybe you'll be at two of the three lakes. If you slow down on the bridge you'll see the third lake to the east. Or is that the first lake? Confusing.