October 16, 2026
The water issues in Bell Haven has been a problem, which has been going on for years. Bell Haven is a hamlet which is located partly in Hornellsville and partly in the Town of Canisteo. There are about 30 households in Bell Haven. Years ago, Belle Haven residents got there water from the Village of Canisteo’s reservoir. Then they switched to having well water for Bell Haven. Unfortunately, that has not worked out for Bell Haven, reportedly because of old water lines having problems. At one point the state decided that if Canisteo Village Hall is to provide water to Bell Haven, then Canisteo has to start up a water district. Last year, there was a referendum on Hornellsville annexing the Canisteo part, of Bell Haven and Hornellsville starting a water district but the Bell Haven voters rejected that idea. The latest there is, some Bell Haven residents now want there to be another referendum. They are hoping that with more information, voters will decide that there should be a water district and will vote yes, with a second referendum.
Officials also say that while most of the Bell Haven residents do get water, many say that the situation needs improvement.
