‘different hopes for our wells’ follows hopewell, a village-like town in new jersey, during the week of a pivotal referendum to privatize its water system. as infrastructure costs rise and contamination concerns persist, residents must decide whether to maintain local ownership or transfer control to the country’s largest water utility company.

through interviews with proponents, opponents, and undecided voters, the film captures how deeply personal this decision has become. a cancer survivor worries about the cleanliness of her water. a philanthropist feels a deep sense of responsibility, going door to door the night before the vote. each neighbor approaches the facts in their own way.

in 2025, new jersey announced a historic $2 billion settlement with major chemical manufacturers over water contamination. yet as statewide accountability unfolds, hopewell has yet to receive any public relief. this film asks viewers to consider how delays in government support influence who controls the public system for generations to come.