Port Angeles – The public hearing process continues this Thursday over the fluoridation of the Port Angeles water supply.

The city has turned to the public to help decide whether or not to continue adding fluoride to the water. A contract with the Washington Dental Foundation runs out in 2016, and that had been adding fluoride to the city’s water for the past ten years.

In a public forum held last week, committees presented pro and con opinions on the use of fluoride in the City’s water system. This Thursday, the public will have its chance to provide input on the matter.

Kari Martinez-Bailey with the City of Port Angeles, has been coordinating the events for these public forums. She spoke with KONP about the format for Thursday night’s public hearing.

That meeting gets underway at City Hall starting at 6:00 PM.

Although the health effects of introducing fluoride into the city’s drinking water is one aspect of the issue, money plays a role. The City’s Public Works Director, Craig Fulton, estimated the current costs of fluoridating the city water comes in at just under $20,000.

Surveys to solicit public input will be mailed the first week in November. Those surveys are due back to the city by November 27th.

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