Water quality and water quantity. Two issues that have been facing alden residents for quite some time. Officials hope these latest reports of E. coli in well water will help the town get the funding it needs to tap into the public system.

This is what the water looks like when it comes directly from Ed Kazmark's well. It's black. Not exactly thirst quenching. "We spend a lot of time and money trying to make it better."

Kazmark spends $1,500 to $2,000 a year treating his well water - including a reverse osmosis system for just kitchen needs. His well has been tested before and he says he wouldn't be surprised if the water had E. Coli. "It's here. It's part of our life now and it has to be dealt with."

A letter from Erie County says there's a very serious need to improve the water supply in Alden. In the last eight years, 13 wells tested positive for E. Coli. This data's been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the town works on getting federal and state grants to connect to a public water system. A engineer hired by the town tells 7 News it could cost at least 10 million dollars.

Robert Dersam isn't sure if he wants public water or not. "I want to hear the story because sometimes it's overpriced." He says his well runs dry when he waters the garden in the summer but other than that, he likes his water. But he admits, reports of E. Coli are worrisome. "Sure it concerns you with all the bad food and all the E coli in everything that we buy today."

The town is surveying residents about their water problems. Ed Kazmark is looking forward to the day when public water is flowing through his faucets. "Absolutely we're all signed up and hoping and praying something comes through."