PORT HADLOCK — If the Marrowstone Island public water system is built, residents of the East Jefferson County area could pay a little less on their assessment.

The savings, according to Jefferson County Public Utility District Manager Jim Parker, would come by being able to dig trenches across county roads rather than having to tunnel underneath them as waterlines are installed.

“It’s a lot cheaper,” Parker said Wednesday evening following a meeting of PUD commissioners.

The county Public Works Department had to give its approval for trenching of most of its roads on Marrowstone.

Parker said the project contractor may still have to tunnel under state Highway 116, which bisects the island lengthwise and is also known as Flagler Road. The state could also require tunneling under parts of county roads that are considered aprons to the state highway.

Parker has estimated that the island-wide project to provide potable water to residents will cost about $4.4 million. He estimates a full single assessment will cost about $6,000, not counting connection to the residence.