LITTLEVILLE — Mayor Kenneth Copeland is seeking written proposals from Tuscumbia Utilities and the Spring Valley Water System before deciding if the town will switch water providers.

Littleville has suggested it might end its relationships with Tuscumbia and Spring Valley and begin purchasing water from Russellville.

"I am writing Tuscumbia and Spring Valley to give us something in writing to show us how they can work with us and how they can save us money," Copeland said.

Copeland said he would also ask for a proposal from Russellville Utilities.

Tuscumbia Utilities General Manager David Thornton said he received a letter from Copeland on Thursday.

Thornton said he is preparing a 20-year contract that he will forward to Littleville as early as this week. Thornton wants to get the proposal in the mayor's hands before the next council meeting.

He said Spring Valley also should prepare a long-term contract to present to Littleville.

"It would be good for Littleville to have a contract more so than us, because they're dependant on other people's water to provide to their customers," Thornton said. "We have some of the purest water in Alabama."

Littleville currently buys about 200,000 gallons of water per day from Tuscumbia and another 100,000 gallons from Spring Valley.

Copeland said he would like to reduce the amount of water the town purchases from Spring Valley because it is only using about 70,000 gallons per day and not the full 100,000 gallons it pays for.

While Littleville purchases water from Tuscumbia and Spring Valley, it in turn provides water to Colbert Heights.

Colbert Heights resident Larry Stowe said he is happy with the water he's receiving.

"I'd pay $2 a month extra to keep the water I've got," Stowe said.

Copeland said he hasn't received any complaints about the water the town provides its customers.

"I reckon people are pretty well satisfied," Copeland said. "Some people would like to keep the same water we've got. I have to do what's best for our customers.

Russ Corey can be reached at 256-740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.