The city of Greenwood was supposed to start fluoridating the water Wednesday (Apr.1) following a state mandate from three years ago. But now, the process of adding fluoride is being pushed back.

Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow said it all comes down to when the equipment they need gets in, and when the building that will hold it is finally finished. “We have a pre- fabricated building coming in,” said Kinslow. “It’s been ordered so it will be shipped, it might take about a month to get here.”

Kinslow said until the 10 by 12 building gets to Greenwood, they cannot begin fluoridating the city’s water. According to Kinslow, “That is actually to house the equipment that puts the fluoride in the water.”

Originally, the city projected the process could begin as early as April 1st. “That might have been the initial date that they were going to try to get everything going, but we are a good month away,” said Kinslow. He said it depends when the building gets here and when they can get it all set up.

Even though many Greenwood residents have expressed concerns over the decision, the mayor said this is a good thing for the city. “They already have fluoride in the water so this is nothing completely new with the residents of Greenwood,” according to Kinslow.

The mayor said he hopes to have the building in place and the fluoridation process started by the beginning of next month.

The state mandate Act 197 affects 34 water systems around the Natural State. When passing the law, state legislators said the fluoride has proven to be an extremely safe and effective method for preventing tooth decay.