CHENEY, Wash. — City leaders in Cheney are starting the process of potentially removing fluoride from the city’s drinking water, citing aging equipment, maintenance challenges and public concerns.
The city has been adding fluoride to its drinking water for more than five decades, but notified residents this month that it has begun the required 90-day notification process with the Washington State Office of Drinking Water as it considers ending fluoridation.
Officials say its fluoridation equipment would require costly replacement and maintaining consistent fluoride levels has become challenging because each of Cheney’s wells contains different naturally occurring amounts of fluoride.
The Washington State Department of Health recommends a fluoride amount of 0.07 milligrams per liter of public drinking water, but there are no state laws mandating fluoridation.
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows drinking fluoridated water at that amount reduces tooth decay by about 25% for both children and adults.
Cheney residents will have opportunities to weigh in before any decision is made. A public comment session is scheduled for October 13 at Cheney City Hall, and written comments can also be submitted by email during the notification period.
The city council is expected to take action after hearing from the public on October 13.
Original article online at: https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/cheney-considering-removing-fluoride-drinking-water/293-f9ddea9f-9048-4c3b-a8f5-e4bd3e17b411