Milwaukee Water Works announced it’s temporarily reducing the amount of fluoride added to its drinking water due to national supply chain constraints.
In a joint news release issued Wednesday, Milwaukee Water Works and the Milwaukee Health Department said the City’s water remains safe to drink and continues to meet water quality standards.
Milwaukee has been adding fluoride to its drinking water since 1953.
“Community water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and inexpensive public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay,” said Mike Totoraitis, PhD, Commissioner of Health. “While fluoride levels will be temporarily lower than our usual target, Milwaukee’s drinking water remains safe,” said Totoraitis.
“This temporary adjustment is driven by supply availability and does not affect the safety or quality of Milwaukee’s drinking water,” said Patrick Pauly, Milwaukee Water Works Superintendent. “Milwaukee Water Works and the City of Milwaukee Health Department will continue working together to provide clear information to residents and restore normal fluoride addition as soon as possible.”
According to the release, because the reduction is temporary, most residents do not need to make changes to their drinking water or oral hygiene routines. It also stated the previous supplier was unable to renew its contract because of ongoing national supply chain challenges affecting fluoride treatment additives. Milwaukee Water Works issued a request to secure a new supplier through the City’s procurement process, with bids due on Monday, July 27 at 4:30 p.m. No bids were received.
Original article online at: https://www.wisn.com/article/wisconsin-milwaukee-drinking-water-fluoride/73296812