SHREVEPORT, La. — The City of Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage has received an additional shipment of fluoride. However, the nationwide supply challenges continue, and the city’s distributor cannot guarantee when additional shipments will be available.
Because the long-term availability of fluoride remains uncertain, the city will begin reintroducing fluoride into the water system at a reduced level on Monday. This temporary adjustment will allow the city to extend its current supply while continuing to provide supplemental fluoride for dental health.
At normal levels, this shipment will last about a month. At the reduced level, it should last six to eight weeks, city officials said.
While the latest shipment is a positive development, city officials said it does not mean the nationwide shortage is resolved or that Shreveport can expect regular fluoride shipments.
“Our goal is to make the supply we have available last as long as possible while this nationwide shortage continues,” said interim Water and Sewerage Director Brandon R. Snead. “Receiving additional fluoride gives us some breathing room, but our supplier cannot guarantee when the next shipment will arrive. By temporarily reducing the amount we introduce into the system, we can conserve our supply while continuing fluoridation at a lower level.”
The temporary reduction in fluoride will not affect the safety, taste, treatment, or processing of Shreveport’s drinking water. Residents may continue to use and consume city water as normal.
The city adds fluoride to its treated water as a supplemental measure associated with dental health. It is separate from the treatment and disinfection processes used to produce safe drinking water. Fluoride does not affect the taste and smell of the water.
The city remains in communication with its supplier and will continue exploring additional supply options. Fluoride levels may be adjusted as availability changes, to return to normal fluoridation levels when a reliable supply can be maintained.
Original article online at: https://www.ktbs.com/news/city-receives-additional-supply-of-fluoride/article_be23e45e-f278-4d08-b95f-10d8aea24593.html