Frustrating and stressful are just a few words being used to describe what it's been like for neighbors in Petersburgh, after learning their water was contaminated with PFOA, the man-made chemical linked to cancer.
"You have concerned mothers whose children have been consuming this daily for years," Emily Marpe said.
Marpe has been at every town meeting since learning about the contamination in February.
The man leading the meetings, Peter Schaaphok, has felt the same as her -- stressed. So much so, in fact, that the town clerk said that's why he decided to step down.
According to the Clerk, Peter's doctor advised him to resign as supervisor after just six months in the position, saying the constant stress of water contamination was attributing to his condition.
Board members are already thinking about who will replace him.
"We have a lot of committed people, and someone will step up, I'm sure," said Town Council member Alan Webster.
Residents hope it will be someone who can help give them answers and lead them out of the crisis soon.
"The meetings here aren't very productive," Marpe said, "so hopefully, they will start. We really need a big town meeting again and actually get people in here that know what they're talking about. ... We still have the basic questions. How should I care for my animals? Should I fish in the river? These questions deserve answers."
The board will hold a special meeting on June 10 to plan on filling the position; the clerk said no one will fill it in the interim just yet.