For close to 60 years Ruby Butcher has had to ration her use of water on a daily basis. When she turns on the tap, she has to make sure every drop counts. If not, she may not have enough to get her through the day.

That’s because Ruby lives on top of Macedonia Hill in South Point where there is no water line service.

What Ruby does and about 30 other households do is use well water or have water trucked in and put in a storage tank.

Not convenient. Not safe. Not fair.

About three years ago some officeholders approached Ohio Aqua to see if lines could be built up the hill to bring those residents running water.

Two of the driving forces at that time were then Fayette Trustee Mike Finley and current commissioner Bill Pratt.

Despite their zeal, going through Ohio Aqua would have meant a price tag of $3 million. That would have paid for a booster station, pipelines and storage tank.

Ohio Aqua officials were not unsympathetic to these individuals’ plight, but the project would have been cost prohibitive.

Recently, State Rep. Ryan Smith, R-93, has been brought into the situation and is looking to create a non-profit water district similar to the Hecla District.

Smith said a district would be able to apply for grants that could offset costs.

Finley has repeatedly said a quick fix won’t fix this. But efforts should not stop.

In fact, more officeholders, more officials should join forces to help these residents get this basic necessity of life.