The cities of New Berlin and Milwaukee are now in agreement over extending Lake Michigan water to another chunk of New Berlin, as the New Berlin Common Council voted unanimously late Tuesday to approve the deal.

Aldermen expressed unhappiness about paying $1.5 million to Milwaukee and at the prospect of raising local utility rates to cover infrastructure costs. But they agreed that it is the most cost-effective solution to the radium problem in the city’s well water.

Ald. Dave Ament said, “When people look back, they’ll absolutely say this was the right decision.”

Said Ald. Bill Moore: “This is for the safety of the people of New Berlin — cleaner, safer drinking water. Secondly, it’s great for the environment, with less drawing down of our aquifers. Also, we’ll be returning water back to the lake.”