Newport Beach City Council members will decide Tuesday whether to ask for a delay in the upcoming fluoridation of Orange County’s water supply so they can sort out residents’ concerns.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which provides 18% of Newport’s drinking water, plans to begin adding fluoride at the Robert B. Diemer Treatment Plant Nov. 19.

The water district board agreed in 2003 to add enough fluoride to drinking water to provide dental health benefits, and district officials told the council fluoridation has been done for 60 years in America.

But some residents at an Oct. 9 study session worried about negative health effects of fluoride, particularly on children, and some said they consider it being medicated without their consent.

Council members will consider whether to send a letter asking the water district to delay the start of fluoridation so the city can evaluate the residents’ concerns.

The Newport Beach City Council meets Tuesday at 3300 Newport Blvd., with a study session at 4 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

To view the agenda visit www.city.newport-beach.ca.us

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