As the saying goes, "You never miss the water until the well runs dry". South Bend resident Jeanette Banasiewicz is learning first hand what that proverb means. Her well has dried up because of the drought. And water is the last thing she's taking for granted.
"No water for nothing. No water. Not even a drip comes out." Banasiewicz said.
The 72-year old doesn't have the $3,000 it will cost to repair the dried up well. Her fixed income is spent before she can even buy groceries. Already she's gone nearly two weeks without house water.
"I can't describe it. You're constantly carrying buckets."
Those buckets are filled from a backyard garden well. Carried about 50 yards into the house, just to wash the dishes or flush the toilet. She showers at her daughter's. The past two weeks have pushed her to her limit.
"We're in desperate need of water."
Banasiewicz doesn't know what she's going to do about her water problem. She'll continue to lean on family and fill those buckets. But for now she'll improvise, like using a 200-yard garden hose to heat what little water she gets from the backyard garden well, hot enough to wash her dishes.
"If I'd seen a drip in the kitchen sink I'd be happy."
