Nearly 1.9 million people in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties are getting a little less fluoride in their tap water, at least for now. WSSC Water says it is temporarily lowering the amount of fluoride it adds to drinking water from about 0.7 milligrams per liter to roughly 0.4 mg/L while it waits for regular shipments of fluoridation chemicals to pick back up. The change affects dosing at both the Potomac and Patuxent filtration plants.
WSSC’s statement and scope
In a news release from WSSC Water, the utility described the move as “a temporary adjustment driven solely by supply availability,” citing reduced domestic production and trouble with an overseas supplier. One major supplier in Israel has faced “significant operational impacts,” according to the statement, and WSSC says it plans to restore its usual fluoride target as soon as supply conditions settle down.
The utility emphasized that the adjustment does not change the overall safety or quality of the water. Customers who have questions about dental health during the temporary reduction are being urged to check in with their dentist or healthcare provider for individualized advice.
Why supplies are strained
WSSC and local outlets have linked the squeeze on fluoride chemicals to broader supply chain disruptions tied to the conflict in the Middle East. Those disruptions have tightened shipments of hydrofluorosilicic acid, the compound water systems typically use for fluoridation. As FOX 5 DCreported, the shortage has already forced operational tweaks at the Potomac and Patuxent Water Filtration Plants while suppliers work to get back to normal.
So far, officials are not putting a date on when fluoride dosing will return to the routine 0.7 mg/L level.
What residents should know
Public health agencies still back community water fluoridation as a key tool for preventing cavities. The CDC recommends 0.7 mg/L as the sweet spot that balances dental benefits with safety.
In the meantime, dentists and dental organizations say people can lean on topical fluoride to help fill the gap. That can include proper use of fluoride toothpaste, professionally applied fluoride varnish, or prescription-strength products for patients who are at higher risk for tooth decay. For more detailed guidance on fluoride use and dosing, the American Dental Association also offers recommendations for both patients and providers.
Original article online at: https://hoodline.com/2026/04/fluoride-squeeze-wssc-cuts-levels-for-1-9-million-suburban-dc-residents/