At the Aug. 11 Molena City Council meeting, members discussed a petition signed by residents to add fluoride to the city’s water. Molena currently serves approximately 172 water customers through its municipal water system.
A petition regarding the addition of fluoride to the drinking water received around 30 signatures with 18 verified as qualified voters who reside in the water system service area.
“This meets the threshold required by O.C.G.A. § 12-5-175, which mandates that at least 10% of registered voters from the last general election must sign in order to place the question on the ballot. For Molena, that number was 17,” said Molena City Clerk Tina Lee.
Council members approved adding the fluoride question to the November ballot to allow Molena residents to decide whether fluoride should be added to the public water supply.
“While the exact ballot language is still being finalized, the intent is to ask voters directly: Do you wish to have fluoride added to Molena’s drinking water? Under Georgia law, fluoride is generally required in public water systems unless a municipality opts out through a voter referendum. The law also sets an upper limit of one part per million for fluoride,” said Lee.
Molena’s water is currently chlorinated as required for disinfection. The city is in the process of installing a phosphate treatment system to bind manganese and iron which will help reduce the discoloration caused when the minerals react with chlorine.
At the Aug. 11 meeting, it was reported that Morgan Well had completed tap installations and final electrical work for the phosphate system was complete as well. The phosphate system should be active in the next few weeks.
The Molena Water System also filters uranium which is a naturally occurring element in the area. The active well occasionally tests 2–5 parts per billion above the EPA’s recommended limit, but filtration systems are in place to reduce or remove uranium from the water supply.
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay, reducing cavities by up to 25% in both children and adults. Fluoride can cause dental fluorosis which is mild discoloration or mottling of teeth, typically from prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels (and can be caused by children swallowing toothpaste during brushing). At much higher levels than those allowed in public water systems, fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis, a rare condition involving joint stiffness or bone changes.
“Georgia Code § 12-5-175 requires fluoridation unless a municipality opts out through a voter referendum. The law also limits fluoride to one part per million. Molena’s referendum is about community choice,” said Lee. “Residents will decide whether to begin fluoridation or continue without it. Regardless of the outcome, Molena remains committed to safe, transparent, and responsive water management.”
Residents will be informed before any changes are made to the water system.
Original article online at: https://pikecountygeorgia.com/molena-citizens-to-decide-whether-or-not-flouride-is-added-in-november-election/