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Water Report - Fluoride
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The Water Authority stopped adding supplemental fluoride in 2011 based on the lack of agreed upon science at the federal level. During this period only naturally occurring fluoride remained in the drinking water. The naturally occurring levels averaged between 0.4 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L depending on the season and blend of water. In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) finalized the guideline for fluoride in drinking water. Up to this point, there was no consistent science which both agencies agreed upon. During the FY/17 budget discussion, staff proposed funding the supplemental fluoride based on the new mutually established guideline by the USEPA and CDC. At that time, a majority of the board amended the budget to remove the funding.
During the discussion and adoption of the FY/18 budget on May 17, 2017, a policy amendment to the budget was adopted by a majority of the board members in attendance, which directs staff to begin supplemental fluoridation. The policy amendment identified the funding source for the estimated annual operating costs of approximately $250,000 from anticipated savings related to power and chemicals. While the amendment directed the staff to begin supplemental fluoridation, it did not amend the capital budget to appropriate the estimated $250,000 required to construct the facilities to add fluoride. The capital appropriation will be placed on the August 23, 2017 meeting agenda and can be acted upon with an immediate action motion or in September without such a motion given that financial and policy items require two readings.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of the fluoride presentation is to provide information to the board and the public about: 1) data for fluoride background levels in the Water Authority's water sources; 2) projected fluoride levels to customers if supplemental fluoride is resumed; 3) estimated operating and capital costs; and ...
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