NORWAY — A fluoridation system in Norway won’t be repaired, as the city council has instead passed an ordinance to permanently end adding fluoride to the city’s water.
Norway stopped adding fluoride in January 2022 when the system failed. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy required the city either fix the system and resume adding fluoride or pass an ordinance officially halting the practice.
Water Department Supervisor Dave Bal said damage to the building that housed the fluoridation system included corrosion on metal items such as electrical conduits and water lines.
City Manager Dan Stoltman said the city received a $21,000 estimate for repairs. In addition, the plans would require an engineer’s stamp, putting the total cost at about $30,000.
To pay for the project, Stoltman said the city could use monies the water department has set aside as a requirement of a bond, or it could use part of a $100,000 American Rescue Plan infrastructure grant the city received through Dickinson County. An application could also be submitted for a $25,000 state grant.
In addition to the repairs, adding fluoride to the water would cost up to $3,000 a year.
Stoltman added that no other Dickinson County municipality adds fluoride to its water system.
Local residents were on hand Wednesday in favor of discontinuing fluoridation. Kristen Ball of Iron Street cited potential health risks.
“The fact is that the science does not support the benefits of fluoride in drinking water but there is science that does support the fact that it is detrimental to every system in the human body. It is known that fluoride is toxic to humans,” Ball said.
Council Member Jeff Muraro said he did his own research and echoed some of Ball’s statements. Muraro said there are other ways to get fluoride for those who want it, rather than forcing it on the entire community by adding it to the water.
Representatives from EGLE and the health department were supposed to appear via Zoom but were unable due to a technical glitch. Mayor Candy Brew was in favor of tabling any action until they could be heard.
The U.S. in 2015 lowered the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to support it as being beneficial in preventing tooth decay.
The motion to stop fluoridation passed with four yes votes and Brew opposed.
In other business, the council —
— Approved a special event application for this year’s open air market. Main Street between Ninth and 10th avenues, will need to be closed from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays from June 6 to Aug. 22.
— Approved a special event application for this year’s Music in the Park. The events coincide with the open air markets and will use the same street closure.
Stoltman noted that detour signs and signs alerting the public that businesses beyond the closure remain open have been ordered and will be in place during the events.
Original article online at: https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2024/04/norway-city-council-votes-to-officially-cease-water-fluoridation/