On Sept. 22, the provincial government plans to turn off the tap on the free water it has delivered to Penobsquis residents since their wells went dry in 2004. Many residents say they have no choice but to pay a $400 annual fee to hook up to a new municipal-type water system.On Sept. 22, the provincial government plans to turn off the tap on the free water it has delivered to Penobsquis residents since their wells went dry in 2004. Many residents say they have no choice but to pay a $400 annual fee to hook up to a new municipal-type water system. (CBC)

A group of Penobsquis residents whose wells ran dry five years ago have agreed to hook up to a provincially built water system after holding out for months.

About a dozen homeowners from the small community in southern New Brunswick signed contracts Wednesday, saying they had no choice.

"We're here to support each other because none of us are happy about signing this contract. We're really not," Beth Nixon said as the residents gathered across the street from the village hall. "They don't leave us any alternative, I guess."

On Sept. 22, the provincial government plans to cut off the supply of bottled water that has been trucked to the residents' homes since their wells mysteriously went dry in 2004.

Earlier this year, the province finished installing a new municipal-style water system, which is being managed by nearby Sussex Corner.

But the residents maintain they shouldn't have to pay the $400 annual fee for water they once got free from their wells.

They believe that work at a nearby potash mine drained their wells and that the mine, or province, should pick up the tab.

"They're bullying us, telling us what we can or can't do," resident Carl Rouse said. "They won't give us a say in anything.

"I think it's terrible, the government depriving seniors of water. And I'm not the only senior. Probably half of us are seniors. They're taking the water right out of our mouths."

About four other homeowners are refusing to sign up. They're pursuing legal action and an appeal to the Energy and Utilities Board.

"Are you afraid they're going to take your water away next week?" Gordon Fraser asked fellow residents. "I'm not alarmed at all. If they want it, they can have it. They can do with it, I'll do without it."

At least one man has vowed to collect rainwater if he has to.