San Jose is moving forward with a plan to add fluoride to the city’s drinking water. The water district will hold hearings today to talk about the issue.

San Jose is the largest city in the U.S. without fluoride in its drinking water. More than 70% of the country has fluoridated water. Health advocates says fluoride improves dental health, something that is needed here because Silicon Valley children have high rates of tooth decay.

If the plan moves forward it will cost $23 million to retrofit the water system. However advocates say it will save more than $100 million in dental expenses.

The program will be paid for by water customers. They will see an increase in their monthly bill.

Today’s meeting of the Santa Clara Valley Water District will take place at 5:30 p.m. at 5750 Almaden Espressway in San Jose.

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