Buffalo Water to Restore Fluoride in Water Supply
Buffalo Water has announced that its new fluoridation system has been approved by the Department of Health, marking a significant milestone for the city’s water supply. After a hiatus since 2015, fluoride is scheduled to be reintroduced into the water system starting Tuesday.
According to Buffalo Water, a new shipment of fluoride will be received on Monday and implemented into the distribution system on Tuesday. The system will then be monitored over the next few weeks to ensure proper functioning and effectiveness.
In a statement, Buffalo Water Board Chairman Oluwole “OJ” McFoy expressed the organization’s commitment to providing safe and affordable drinking water to the residents of Buffalo. With the Department of Health’s approval, Buffalo Water is confident that the new system will enable them to continue delivering high-quality water to the city.
Background and Recent Developments
The decision to restore fluoride to Buffalo’s water system comes after years of absence. In 2015, the city ceased adding fluoride to the water, a fact that remained unknown to residents until it was revealed by The Buffalo News in 2023. Following public outcry and a lawsuit filed by concerned parents, Buffalo Water received approval from the DOH in January 2024 to proceed with upgrading the water system, including the reintroduction of fluoride.
McFoy previously explained that fluoride was removed from the water as part of a $1 million distribution system upgrade and cited delays due to the pandemic for the extended timeline. Despite assurances from a city spokesperson that fluoride would be back in the water supply by the end of 2023, the process faced delays until now.
The most recent update to the system occurred in July, when a flow meter was installed to assist in determining the appropriate amount of fluoride to be added to the water. With the approval of the new fluoridation system, Buffalo Water is poised to provide residents with safe and beneficial drinking water once again.
Community Response and Future Plans
The reintroduction of fluoride into Buffalo’s water system has been met with mixed reactions from the community. While some residents are pleased that the mineral will be back in the water, others remain skeptical about its necessity and potential health impacts.
Proponents of water fluoridation argue that it is a cost-effective public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and promote oral health, particularly among children. They point to the endorsement of fluoridation by major health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association.
On the other hand, opponents of water fluoridation raise concerns about the potential risks of ingesting fluoride, including dental fluorosis and other health issues. They advocate for alternative methods of improving oral health, such as proper dental hygiene practices and access to fluoride through toothpaste and other sources.
Looking ahead, Buffalo Water plans to continue monitoring the new fluoridation system and its impact on the water supply. The organization remains committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water to the residents of Buffalo, while also addressing concerns and feedback from the community regarding the restoration of fluoride.
As the city moves forward with this initiative, ongoing communication and transparency will be key in ensuring that residents are informed about the benefits and risks of water fluoridation. By working together, Buffalo Water and the community can strive to maintain a healthy and sustainable water supply for all residents.