The water dilemma has long been debated for those who have the choice between city water and well water in their home. While in many areas of the county city water has been the norm, for homes in Pinecrest city water has been the exception.

Fourteen years ago my husband and I debated the city vs. well water issue. There is something romantic about the thought of having water in its natural state, chemical free and flowing into your home from your very own source.

Of course money was a consideration, as was the true quality of the ground water. My husband always looked at the money issue as part of the cost of building a home, as essential as trusses or the guest bathroom. I only acquiesced to connecting to city water after my husband put it in perspective. He asked whether I would prefer my children swim in the natural canal at the end of our street or the chlorinated pool in the backyard.

It was never about drinking the water, because we drink bottled or filtered water. It was about weighing cost against peace of mind and the visible reminders and the maintenance of well water.

In retrospect, I have no regret about giving in to the pressure to hook up to city water, although I am considering installing a dechlorinator. I don't miss hard water deposits or the inability to flush the toilet when the electricity is out or having to maintain the water softener.

The point is, the right to choose what you prefer is important, as is community input. It would behoove the Village government to undertake a professional survey, explaining in detail the cost and the options.

Nevertheless, I venture to guess the results will be determined by the length of time residents have lived in the community. I think an overwhelming majority of residents who have lived in Pinecrest for 10 years or less will prefer city water. Folks who have lived in the Village for 20 years or more will vote to keep their wells. I think the rest of the people, those who have been here 10 to 20 years, will split about evenly in their vote. Cost will play a role in the decision. Any realtor familiar with Pinecrest will tell you that when comparing two equivalent homes, the one with city water will sell for more money. By contrast, a resident may vote for city water as a preference to well water, but may not be able or is unwilling to pay the connection cost. A home with a frontage of 150 feet, for example, would be charged about $12,000, which could be paid out in a lump some or monthly over a 10-year period.  A resident who did not want to connect to county water would not be forced to do so, but a lien would be placed on the home for its pro rata cost, which would be payable in full upon sale or renovation.

Although, placing a lien on a home may sound drastic, it may be the most reasonable solution if a homeowner chooses not to participate. It leaves the homeowner's options open to connecting sometime in the future. And, with growing concerns over ground water contamination, it may become necessary if not vital to have city water.

This is a perfect example of the type of issue that is the public's wish list. However, when they are faced with out-of-pocket expenses they are less committed to the concept.