The Trenton City Council revisited the topic of water fluoridation during its meeting on June 9. Although no action was taken at the session, the council voted last month to begin the process of discontinuing fluoridation of the city’s water system. A public meeting on the issue was held the previous week.
Council Member Anna Ferguson reported the city’s fluoride level is 0.7 milligrams, which she stated is below the level considered toxic. Ferguson emphasized her belief in individual freedoms when only the individual is affected. She noted that residents could remove fluoride through reverse osmosis, although she acknowledged the method could be costly. Ferguson added that some water-filtering pitchers are available for under $100 and that bottled water typically does not contain added fluoride.
Ferguson referenced the city of Calgary and the nation of Canada, which both ceased water fluoridation for a period before public demand prompted its return. She expressed concern that a grant for fluoride equipment, applied for by Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Steve Reid, could be wasted if the city discontinues fluoridation now but decides to resume it later.
At the same meeting where the council voted to begin ending fluoridation, it also postponed consideration of an ordinance approving a proposal from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regarding the repair and replacement of community fluoridation equipment.
During the June 9 meeting, Council Member Lindsay Stevens shared information from the National Institutes of Health. She stated that fluoride recommendations vary among individuals. Stevens noted that bottle-fed infants could exceed recommended fluoride levels if their formula is mixed with fluoridated tap water. She added that ready-made formula already contains fluoride.
According to Stevens, fluoride is also present in various foods and beverages, including black and green teas, canned sardines, grapes, spinach, apple juice, and chicken. She said the accumulation of fluoride over time is significant and that infants retain approximately 80% of consumed fluoride.
Council Member Glen Briggs stated that if Trenton stopped fluoridating its water, it would not remove fluoride from the system, but would simply stop adding it. He explained that fluoride occurs naturally in some water sources. Briggs also inquired about the opinion of the rural water system. Trenton supplies water to Grundy County Public Water Supply District Number 1.
City Administrator and Utility Director Ron Urton reported that the water district intended to discuss the matter. Urton also said Nestle did not object to the city ending fluoridation.
Council Member Marvin Humphreys suggested that regardless of the council’s decision, an informational pamphlet should be distributed with customer billing statements.
Mayor Jackie Soptic noted that even if Trenton discontinues water fluoridation, other municipalities may continue adding fluoride, and residents would still encounter it through other sources.
Original article online at: https://www.kttn.com/trenton-city-council-revisits-water-fluoridation-after-public-hearing/