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Monday, December 9, 2013

Should Saint John Keep Putting Fluoride In Its Water Supply?

A scant majority of 52% voted to start adding fluoride to the water supply back in 1992--and now, common council is revisiting the idea of whether the chemical should still pumped into the domestic water supply.

City Manager Bill Edwards explains the fluoride itself costs $177,000 each year--but less than 1% of that water actually ends up being consumed, instead going to industry and other uses. He likened the current expenditure to buying a new bottle of 100 asprin every time you need to take a single pill.

The Mayor says the city will be seeking medical advice on whether fluoridated water is a good thing in a blue collar town where some don't have access to dental care.

Another fact to consider is that fluoride is acidic and hard on pipes, so currently another chemical is added to balance the ph level. Council will vote on the issue after hearing more information in February.