One of those common “survival” or “what if” questions is, “If you could keep only one modern convenience, what would it be?”

We’ve always thought running water would rank right up there on the list; we bet the customers served by New Martinsville’s water supply who were without the convenience Saturday and Sunday might agree.

When infrastructure is old and apt to have problems, they will inevitably happen. Sure, the line needs to be replaced, but the money for such things isn’t always readily available.

New Martinsville Superintendent Pat Durant said the replacement of that line is on the city’s 10-year plan, but so are many other water and sewer needs. He said the project in that area might now get moved up the list of needs, as it probably should, but unfortunately plans like that one often don’t come with a big pile of money to execute them. That’s why priorities are set and needs on the list get checked off as possible.

Durant said the city crew worked tirelessly to repair the line. We have no doubt they did. Believe it or not, they didn’t want to be making a repair any more than the dry customers wanted to be without water.

So despite the inconvenience, we want to offer our thanks for the work, encouragement for a more permanent fix, and hope for the funding to fulfill every necessary “wish”.