PLAINVILLE -- Voters on Monday defeated fluoridation by 90 votes, 814-724, potentially setting the stage for a court battle with North Attleboro.

But North Attleboro Public Works Chairman Robert Norton said after the vote that the towns "absolutely" could negotiate an agreement to separate their water without litigation.

North Attleboro residents in November 2000 voted to approve fluoridation. The towns have since opened the Whiting Street Treatment Plant in North Attleboro. The plant treats water from four wells in North Attleboro and one in Plainville. `

"Plainville and North Attleboro are good neighbors," said Norton, who was present when the unofficial election results were read at the Wood School. I see no reason to go to court regarding the two communities."North Attleboro won't turn off Plainville's connection to the treatment plant on its own initiative, Norton said.