Pasco has started a required 90-day public notification process to potentially stop adding fluoride to city water after nearly 30 years
• The city began adding fluoride in 1998 to meet state health guidelines, even though fluoride naturally exists in the water at lower levels
• Two public feedback sessions are scheduled for August 5th and September 17th at City Hall, with online comment options also available
PASCO, Wash. — The City of Pasco has launched a formal notification process as it considers ending the use of fluoride in its public water system after nearly three decades of adding the mineral to meet state health guidelines.
The city began adding fluoride to its drinking water in 1998 following a City Council vote to meet levels recommended by the state, even though fluoride naturally exists in Pasco’s water supply at lower concentrations.
“In 1998, the City Council at the time voted to begin adding fluoride at the levels recommended by the state. Now the City Council has the option of stopping that process,” said Alyssa Warner, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the City of Pasco.
The decision triggers a state-mandated 90-day notification period that requires extensive public input before any changes can be implemented.
“This is a process that is required by the state. We have to give 90 days’ notice for stopping the addition of fluoride in city water. That is to the public, to stakeholders in the community—anyone who uses City of Pasco water needs to have a chance to weigh in on this,” Warner explained.
The potential change comes as fluoride treatment remains a topic of ongoing discussion across Washington state. According to the Washington State Department of Health, only about 46 percent of Washington state residents receive fluoride-treated water. However, the DOH supports fluoride-treated water, stating it supports good dental hygiene outcomes.
Local residents are weighing in on the decision. Tanner Morton, a Pasco resident, believes the community can address any water-related challenges that arise.
“We have a gorgeous community, we have great people here, and if we are struggling with our water sources or what’s in our water, it’s really not out of our grasp as a community—or the people that run our communities—to take that under control,” Morton said.
Morton emphasized that water safety should remain a top priority regardless of the fluoride decision.
“We have a lot of issues going on in our communities that need attention too, but I think everyone’s day-to-day—when they wake up in the morning and go to their kitchen sink—I think that’s something we should never worry about,” he said.
The city has scheduled two public feedback sessions to gather community input on the potential change. The first session will be held August 5th at City Hall, followed by a second session on September 17th, also at City Hall.
Residents who cannot attend the in-person sessions can submit their comments online through the city’s website.
The City Council’s consideration of ending fluoride addition represents a significant policy shift for Pasco, which has maintained the practice for nearly 30 years.
Original article online at: https://www.applevalleynewsnow.com/news/pasco-considers-ending-fluoride-addition-to-public-water-system-after-nearly-30-years/article_3e65c5f8-1221-44f4-b713-d053575609c6.html