HANOVER, Pa. —
Hanover residents met with the borough council to discuss the possible removal of fluoride from the community’s drinking water, with the meeting serving as a town hall for listening, learning, and discussion rather than formal action.
Federal leaders endorsed adding fluoride to drinking water in the 1950s to prevent tooth decay.
According to the borough, Hanover has included fluoride in its water supply since 1972, though it is not required.
In November 2024, a council member requested the borough establish a position on fluoride use, leading to Wednesday’s public discussion.
The council raised several points during the meeting, including the cost of adding fluoride, which amounts to $32,000 annually.
They explained that removing fluoride would require notifying the Department of Environmental Protection and area medical professionals, with the process taking approximately eight to nine months.
If fluoride remains in the water, the council noted that the cost of the chemical is expected to rise due to supply issues linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Residents shared their perspectives during the meeting
“For me this comes down to responsibility, not just personal responsibility, but community responsibility keeping fluoride in our water is simple, low cost and helps protect people who need it most,” one resident said.
“Hundreds of research articles published over the last several decades have demonstrated a potential harm to humans from fluoride at various levels of exposure including levels, deemed safe. Scientific research shows that fluoride exposure impacts the bones and the teeth,” another said.
The Hanover Borough Council issues statement
“It is our responsibility to ensure that council decisions reflect the will of the majority, with the foremost priority being that the water is safe, healthy, and meets the expectations of those it serves. We must also respect the preferences of the community. We must not forget this is their water, and these are their bodies,” the council added.
The council stated that it will continue engaging with the community.
Residents who did not have the chance to speak tonight will have the opportunity to share their views at the next Water and Sewer Committee meeting on May 14.
The council is scheduled to consider the issue further on May 20 and May 27.
Original article online at: https://www.wgal.com/article/hanover-council-residents-views-fluoride-drinking-water/71169841