MADISON, Ala. — Madison Utilities aims to build a new water treatment facility in the near future — a consideration, officials told FOX54, in the move to shift away from fluoridating the city’s public water supply.
The utility ended fluoridation on Monday, citing worker safety and corrosion at existing facilities as key factors. Inside the current plant, corroded pipes and aging infrastructure show visible damage attributed to decades of fluoride use.
Utility officials told FOX54 they’ve seen excessive wear and tear on systems, pointing to examples during a tour of the plant Friday morning. Though representatives declined on-camera interviews, they said long-term damage from fluoridation played a role in their decision.
The new facility will increase water capacity to help accommodate Madison’s rapid growth, according to officials. A timeline for construction has not yet been released, and the cost of damage from corrosion remains unclear.
The end of fluoridation has drawn criticism from residents and health advocates concerned about its impact on dental health — especially in children.
Data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Alabama Department of Public Health show a sharp contrast in dental health outcomes between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. In Blount County, where only 18% of the water supply is fluoridated, tooth decay rates are nearly 25% higher than in Jefferson County, which maintains nearly full fluoridation.
Some parents say they now face added costs to ensure their children receive fluoride treatments through other means.
Madison Utilities has defended its position, saying the mixing process for fluoride poses a risk to workers and contributes to facility deterioration.
The utility says it is committed to maintaining safe and high-quality water service as it transitions to the new plant design.
Original article online at: https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/local/madison-utilities-points-to-excessive-wear-on-water-systems-during-friday-tour/525-55560818-720b-46b1-a887-5dab689886de