Manhattan ? The Manhattan school district wants its attorney to take legal action to force the city to continue to provide free water to the district.

The district’s school board voted Wednesday to authorize its attorney to take legal steps, which could range from negotiating with the city to filing a lawsuit.

The city and school district have been arguing since Nov. 2, when city officials decided to end a 123-year-old practice of providing free water to the school district and churches. The program would end on July 1, 2011.

Superintendent Bob Shannon says the board will hear recommendations from its attorney, Dick Seaton, before deciding how to proceed.

The Manhattan Mercury reports that the city says it loses about $29,000 a year by giving the district free water.