SOME might utter a sigh of relief, but another set-back to the fluoridation of the Fraser Coast’s water supply has Wide Bay Water officials starting to steam.

The region’s water was originally set to be fluoridated by the end of January, but a delay in equipment delivery meant the date was pushed back until April.

However, that timeframe has been pushed back yet again, with further postponements plaguing the project.

“We will give our community concrete dates as soon as they are available,” Wide Bay Water CEO Peter Scott said.

“However, until the outstanding dosing equipment is delivered we can’t complete the project.

“Much of the work has been done.

“It is unfortunately a waiting game now regarding the final deliveries.”

Mr Scott said the latest project timelines would see fluoride added to the potable water supplies of Maryborough and Hervey Bay in mid to late May.

The timelines, however, were dependent on the arrival of equipment.

The Fraser Coast’s water supply is required to be fluoridated in line with the Water Fluoridation Act 2008 which was passed as legislation by the Queensland Government in 2008.

On the Fraser Coast, the type of fluoride used will be fluorosilicic acid which will be added at a rate to achieve the prescribed concentration of 0.8 milligrams a litre.

It will be added at Teddington Water Treatment Plant to fluoridate the Maryborough supply, and at the Burgowan and Howard water treatment plants to fluoridate the Hervey Bay supply.

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