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FORT PIERRE, S.D. (AP) About 150 Fort Pierre residents have signed a petition objecting to the City Council's decision to buy water from a rural water system.

If the petitions are upheld, the contract with the West River Lyman Jones Rural Water System would be referred to a vote of residents this fall.

Opponents of the deal say water rates would be increased by as much as 66 percent, and they think the city is rushing into the deal.

Proponents say minerals in Fort Pierre's well-based water are hard on appliances and add significant costs to water-using businesses such as bars, car washes and water parks.

Information from: Pierre Capital Journal, http://www.capjournal.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-12-09 0819CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list