NORTH PORT — The 58,000 homes not connected to North Port’s water supply might find it a little easier — and more cost-efficient — to do so, now that city has a state-of-the-art directional drill officials say will take some of the hassle out of the process.

Rick Newkirk, field operations manager for the city’s Public Works Department, said the $347,000 directional drill will prevent city crews from having to tear up roads and properties when it comes time to bring city water to where none exists.