Conway Corp has restored fluoride to the city’s drinking water after a global chemical shortage, according to a Monday news release from the utility.
The utility resumed fluoridation at the required levels established by the Arkansas Department of Health, the release said. State law mandates that public water systems which serve 5,000 people or more must add fluoride to the drinking water.
Conway Corp had to pause fluoridation due to a global shortage of hydrofluorosilicic acid which affected water utilities across the country, the release said.
The utility announced that the fluoride supply would run out Sept. 18 in a news release. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East affected production and shipping routes for hydrofluorosilicic acid in the United States, the release said.
Central Arkansas Water faced a similar shortage and resumed adding fluoride to the water in mid September.
Conway’s drinking water remained safe during the interruption, as fluoride is added to water supplies for dental health purposes and not to disinfect or treat the water. Customers did not have to boil water or switch to bottled water at any point, the release said.
The utility will continue monitoring its fluoride supply to prepare for any future disruptions in the chemical supply, the release said.
Conway Corp did not immediately respond to a phone call Tuesday morning.
Original article online at: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2026/sep/29/conway-corp-restores-fluoride-to-the-city/