City of Batavia Water and Wastewater

Press Release:

The City of Batavia is pleased to announce the appointment of Bailey Groth to the position of Superintendent of Water and Wastewater for the City of Batavia. Groth was selected following an extensive search for candidates. She will assume her new role on December 18, 2024. 

A Pembroke native, Groth holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Toxicology and Biology from Nazareth College. With a certification in Basic Environmental Health Programs from the University of Albany, School of Public Health.

Groth currently serves as an Environmental Analyst - Drinking Water Specialist with the New York State Department of Health facilitating and managing the development of municipal source water protection plans. She is a current Environmental Health board member for Yummies Ice Cream in Warsaw. 

Previously she served as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Genesee County Health Department where she managed drinking water enhancement program, she was accountable for overseeing the public water supplies operating in Genesee County and compliance with State Sanitary Code.

“Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge in water planning and regulation as well as environmental sciences that will be an asset to the Bureau of Water and Wastewater for years to come. She is a data driven professional with strategic management skills, and I look forward to working with her on numerous Water and Wastewater projects that the City is undertaking,” said Rachael J. Tabelski, City Manager.

“Bailey will be a valuable asset to the City! With her extensive work background and education, her skills will contribute significantly to various projects and initiatives, helping to foster growth and improve in the City. Bailey has a wonderful mix of interests! Enjoying the outdoors and hiking allows her to appreciate nature and stay active, while spending time with friends and family helps strengthen her relationships. Crafting is her great way to express creativity and unwind, and having a pet like Tuna the cat adds companionship and joy. Whether she's hitting the trails or getting crafty at home, Bailey has a lovely balance of activities,” said Tom Phelps Director of Public Works.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will need to temporarily turn off water in the Jackson Street area on Tuesday, November 7th, for the duration of the day to replace a valve. The following streets will be without water: 

Chestnut Street, Kibbe Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, South Jackson Street, from Jackson Street to Liberty Street, and Jackson Street, from Central Avenue to South Jackson Street.

Surrounding streets may be affected as well.

As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Have you seen it yet?

The city of Batavia has created a new water/sewer bill for customers. They are itemized with each charge broken out, including water and sewer usage amounts, water and sewer meter charges and capital improvement fee, Water and Wastewater Superintendent Michael Ficarella said this week.

“One-third of the city is billed each month, so not everybody in the city has seen these,” he said during City Council’s Monday meeting at City Hall. “Our billing system is new to us; it’s extremely transparent, and breaks down every charge.”

City Councilman Bob Bialkowski wanted to clarify that there isn’t actually a sewer meter on properties, and that the sewer usage is part of the water meter reading. A resident had contacted Bialkowski to complain about a sewer meter, so the councilman wants everyone to be aware of that item on the new bill.

“There’s no such thing as a sewer meter,” he said.

There is also a graph with the property owner’s consumption history from the past year.

Online payments have been added and will be expanded “with multiple apps to make it for all generations of residents easier to pay their bill,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.

Another change is that payments must be received by the due date, and envelopes with the postmarked deadline are no longer accepted as being on time.

Bills may also contain additional city information, such as the enclosed flyer about Community Night, hosted by Batavia City Police. For those that have not yet gotten their bills, Community Night will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. August 9 at City Church St. Anthony’s, 114 Liberty St., Batavia.

For questions or more information, call (585) 345-6318.

Press Release:

A letter from Superintendent Water and Wastewater, Michael Ficarella:

The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a water main break at the intersection of Liberty Street and Ellicott Street. Expect the water to be shut off on Ellicott Street, from Liberty Street to Jackson Street. There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Liberty Street, from Ellicott Street heading north to Main Street.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Traffic will not be able to pass through the Ellicott Street intersection coming off of Liberty Street in both directions while the repairs are being made.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

The public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Michael Ficarella
Superintendent Water and Wastewater

City of Batavia Manager Rachael Tabelski today announced the appointment of Michael Ficarella (photo at right) to the position of Superintendent of Water and Wastewater for the City of Batavia.

Ficarella, a lifelong resident of Batavia and has worked for the City for nine years serving in various positions -- most recently as the Senior Water and Wastewater Maintenance Worker.

The Superintendent of Water and Wastewater is responsible for the water and sewer distribution systems, oversite of the Water Plant, the Wastewater Plant, and City owned facilities.  The Superintendent is responsible for working directly with the residents, businesses and industries on water supply and sewer discharge.

"Michael has the unique skills and leadership qualities we need in the Bureau of Water and Wastewater.  In addition to the daily oversight of the City’s sewer and water systems, he will participate on the City’s management team, capital planning group, and help deliver on the City’s strategic priorities and annual budget,” Tabelski said.

Ficarella will start his new position on Nov. 29 and will work alongside Bill Davis, current Superintendent of Water and Wastewater, for the next four months as Davis transitions into retirement in March 2022. Starting salary is $75,978.

Ficarella holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Niagara University and is active with his children’s sports teams.  He has coached youth baseball, football and soccer over the years.  He currently lives in the City of Batavia with his wife Natalie and their two children, Vincent and Anthony.

The last four superintendents of the department, John Schaefer, Matt Worth, Jim Ficarella and Bill Davis, all retired or will be retiring after long careers with the City. Michael Ficarella is the nephew of Jim Ficarella.