McKINNEY — Residents packed into City Council chambers at McKinney City Hall on Tuesday evening. The crowd was so large, it was standing room only.
An aisle separated citizens on both sides of the water fluoridation issue.
McKinney conducted a public hearing to help decide whether to ask the North Texas Municipal Water District to discontinue the fluoridation of treated water.
“It upsets me to think I’m encouraging my son to drink tap water full of carcinogens,” said mom Nichole Hagen.
Several dentists from all around North Texas also showed up, but they spoke in support of fluoridation. All of them pointed to studies showing a reduction in tooth decay because of fluoride.
“The fluoridation of water supplies has been called one of the 10 most remarkable public health events in the nation,” said one dentist.
But critics say what’s being added to the water is not natural fluoride, but rather a chemical additive known as fluorosilicic acid.
“I would like to have more technical data,” said Council member Roger Harris.
The issue was not voted on Tuesday evening. Instead, it has been tabled for April. The board wants to meet with the water district for more clarity on current water treatment procedures.
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