AUBURN — Efforts to keep Lake Auburn’s watershed clean has some councilors worried that too much land is being made public.

“We’re looking at 1,300 acres of land around Lake Auburn that’s publicly held,” City Councilor Mike Farrell said. “That could easily double the value of that part of the city, if it were in private hands.”

Councilors were scheduled to review the Lake Auburn Watershed Commission’s annual financial report and audit. The group was formed by the water districts from Lewiston and Auburn to control and protect the water flowing into Lake Auburn, the drinking supply for both cities.

The goal is to keep the lake clean and avoid having to install an expensive membrane filtration system, according to Auburn Water District Director Norm Lamie.

The commission was formed in 1993. The nine member board is made up of three members appointed by the Auburn Water District, three appointed by the Lewiston City Council, and one each appointed by the town of Turner and the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments. The towns of Hebron, Minot and Buckfield share the appointment of the ninth member.

The commission controls 2,035 acres of the 9,792 acres surrounding Lake Auburn. Most of that land, about 1,339 acres, is located in Auburn.

Councilor Ray Berube said he was concerned about the make-up of the board, since Auburn’s appointees have a weak link to the residents they represent.

“There’s no taxpayer say whatsoever in who sits on this board,” Berube said.

Councilor Ron Potvin said he’s concerned the commission is too protective of the watershed, to the detriment of private developers. He asked if there is a specific amount of land the commission needs to keep the watershed clean.

There isn’t, Lamie said.

“It’s not determined by the amount of land we own, but how water flows through the watershed,” Lamie said. “We have our eyes on some key pieces of land, but I think the amount we need to purchase will slow down a little.”

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