Fluoride Action Network

Pottstown Borough Authority: Water Meetings Run Dry

Source: Pottstown Patch | August 2nd, 2011 | By Teresa McMinn

The Pottstown Borough Authority advertised a series of three public hearings on the possible removal of fluoride from the water supply.

The first two hearings took place in the Borough’s Council Chambers Room from 9 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday.

There were no borough residents at either hearing.

Brent Wagner, utilities coordinator, said he was surprised that no borough residents attended.

“I did it for the convenience of people who work different shifts,” he said of scheduling three different sessions for the hearings.

Removal of fluoride from the local water supply could mean a savings of up to $55,000 per year, Wagner said.

In addition to the borough, the Authority serves Upper, Lower and West Pottsgrove townships and North Coventry Township.

Municipal officials from Lower Pottsgrove and North Coventry were at the hearings, Wagner said.

Fluoride is entered into the water supply as a liquid, Wagner said.

Another hearing was held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

No one from the public attended any of the hearings.

The Authority will decide whether to hold another public hearing or vote on the issue at its next meeting, 7 p.m. Aug. 16.

If the Authority votes to remove fluoride from the water, it could take up to six months to get final approval from the state Dept. of Environmental Protection, Wagner said.

“Right now, our permit says that we are to add fluoride,” he said.