Springstein residents who aren't connected to the RM of Cartier's water system may need to drive a little bit further for water. Council's decided to close the Springstein standpipe later this year, after spending about a year discussing the matter. Councillors decided to move ahead with the closure this week, setting the closure of the pipe for the fall. Fossay says the decision comes following the expansion of rural water lines, leaving only about six households still depending on the standpipe for water.

"The cost of maintaining the standpipe in Springstein is substantial, and we feel the few folks that are left have other alternatives. Reluctantly, we'll be closing it at the end of this year."

He says while they're closing the standpipe, they're not leaving its users high and dry, noting several other options for the village's residents to get their water.

"The other options of course would be to connect to the rural water line in front of their place, or there are loading facilities in Starbuck or St. Francois Xavier, which are just six or seven miles away."

Fossay says it's not a decision they took lightly, but the cost of maintaining the standpipe ranges between $10,000 and $15,000.

"The decision was just made this week, so I expect there will be some feedback but again, we have to be accountable and careful with all the tax payers money. It's a tough decision, but we'll have to move forward."

Council's set the closure of the standpipe for October 31st.