The borough of Pottstown is “drinking up” the idea of eliminating fluoride from the water. It’s believed the move could save the borough thousands of dollars a year. But as WFMZ’s Joscelyn Moes reports, not everyone is on board. Reporter The idea of “filling” the water with fluoride in Pottstown, Montgomery County could soon “dry up”. In an effort to “tap” into some savings.

Ronald Downie: We’re about $500,000 in the negative.

Reporter: The borough is talking about eliminating fluoride from the drinking water.
Right now, Pottstown is the only water system in Montgomery County that adds fluoride.

Ronald Downie: In today’s world I think there’s probably more people that are interested in getting rid of chemicals in our systems.

Reporter: By *not* adding it… the borough says it could save about 50-thousand dollars a year. While some are “soaking up” the idea…

Bobby Clingerman: More pure water is excellent. That’s what you need.

Reporter: Others are “turned off.”

Juanita Welch I think that would be a big mistake because you need fluoride for your teeth.
In fact, dentists say filling drinking water with fluoride can actually help prevent cavities.

Dr. Bernie Dishler: We can reduce the decay in children by 40 to 60 percent.

Reporter: Dentists say “dumping” fluoride… would be like taking a step back.

Dr. Bernie Dishler: We’re hoping that all communities are gonna have it.

Dr. Bernie Dishler: It’s really a major benefit.

Reporter: The borough hopes to decide by the end of the year, whether fluoride will go down the drain. In Pottstown, Montgomery County, Joscelyn Moes, 69 News.

In our area, Allentown, Bethlehem and parts of Easton all add fluoride to their drinking water. The city of Allentown says it costs 55–60,000 dollars a year.

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