LAWSS supplies Sarnia, Point Edward, St. Clair Township, Plympton-Wyoming, Warwick Township and part of Lambton Shores, general manager Clinton Harper said by email.
The water treatment plant is awaiting a replacement part to finish work on the fluoridation system, Lambton Public Health said. Fluoridation will resume once repairs are completed.
“Interruption to fluoridation means that residents who receive their water supply from LAWSS are not receiving optimal amounts of fluoride through their drinking water,” the release said. “Lambton Public Health will continue to monitor the situation and update the public when the fluoride concentration returns to optimal levels.”
An issue with an isolation valve on the water line serving the fluoridation system was discovered during planned annual backflow calibration and maintenance in January, Harper said. A new valve has been ordered from a Sarnia supplier and is expected to take half a day to install when it arrives.
Only the fluoridation system is affected, he said. The rest of the water treatment plant is operating normally.
“Fluoride is naturally occurring (and) can be found at trace amounts in most source water,” Harper said. “At LAWSS, the source water contains about 0.15 ppm (parts per million) fluoride at the intake. At the direction of Public Health, LAWSS bumps this up into the range that is considered optimal for dental health (0.7ppm).”
During the pause, residents can continue to protect their dental health by brushing their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste, the release said. Those at higher risk of tooth decay, or concerned about the impact of reduced fluoride levels, may wish to speak with a dental health professional.
Low-income households may qualify for free dental programs. For details, call 519-383-8331.
Original article online at: https://www.theobserver.ca/news/local-news/local-fluoride-levels-in-drinking-water-affected-by-maintenance-work-officials