Milwaukee to temporarily reduce fluoride in drinking water amid supply shortage

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Water Works will temporarily lower the amount of fluoride added to the city's drinking water starting Friday, July 31, citing national supply chain constraints affecting fluoride additives.

Fluoride levels will drop from about 0.6 to 0.7 milligrams per liter to roughly 0.3 mg/L, according to the utility.

Officials say the reduction will stretch existing supplies until a new supplier is secured, and that the water remains safe to drink and meets all quality standards.

The change follows the utility's previous supplier being unable to renew its contract. Milwaukee Water Works sought a new supplier, but no bids were received by the July 27 deadline.

"This temporary adjustment is driven by supply availability and does not affect the safety or quality of Milwaukee's drinking water," said Patrick Pauly, Milwaukee Water Works superintendent.

Dr. Cesar Gonzalez with Marquette University of Dentistry says fluoride prevents tooth decay by making our teeth more resistant to acid, and experts say some fluoride in the water is better than none at all.

"Research has shown that children that live in communities with fluoride in the water, they have less decay than children that live in communities without fluoride in the water, " Gonzalez said. "If people drink it continuously, then we have small amounts of fluoride that are constantly in the teeth and the mouth."

Milwaukee has added fluoride to its water since 1953. Officials say residents do not need to take any action, and normal fluoride levels will resume once a new contract is in place.

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