A Cuyahoga County judge has ruled the City of Westlake can get its water supply from another source and leave the Cleveland water system.
Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough told newsnet5.com he believed the move to another water supply will lower costs and improve customer service to residents.
The ruling marked yet another development in a court battle that started four years ago.
Clough said he would still like to reach an agreement with Cleveland, so his city would have options, but so far he explained Cleveland has not come up with a reasonable offer.
"We wouldn't be going forward if we can't save residents money," said Clough. "As a result of many complaints that we received in our city, it was important for us to take a look at other options."
Clough said the judges decision could open the door to other northeast Ohio cities like Bay Village and North Olmsted in seeking another bulk water supplier like Avon Lake.
Westlake is the Cleveland Division of Water's fourth largest customer with more than 33,000 residents.
Cleveland leaders issued a statement in response to the judges ruling.
"We are disappointed with the judge's decision and look forward to fighting the ruling in the Eighth District Court of Appeals."
