Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson are warning people who live and work on or visit the two posts in Anchorage not to drink the water due to excess fluoride in the supply today.

The fluoride problem was discovered at about 4 a.m. today at the Fort Richardson Water Treatment Plant, according to a press release from Elmendorf.

Fort Richardson officials said they have been continually testing the water today. The bases have scheduled a 1 p.m. press conference about the problem.

Fluoride is added to the water at drinking-water plants throughout the United States, including the one at Fort Richardson, to prevent tooth cavities. But fluoride levels have to be monitored carefully because chronic ingestion of fluoride is a proven cause of tooth enamel damage in children.

Anti-fluoride activists believe the mineral is linked to more severe health effects.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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• Notice from Elmendorf Air Force Base: DO NOT DRINK WATER

4/28/2010 – ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — Until further notice, do not drink the water on Fort Richardson or Elmendorf. Boiling water will not make it safe to drink, bottled water should be used. Additional updates will be provided when more information is gathered. This is not an exercise.

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