PASCO, Wash. – The City of Pasco is looking to it’s residents to weigh in on fluoride in the public drinking water.
The city council originally voted to add fluoride to the water supply in 1998, following along with state-recommended levels. Now, City Council is looking to reconsider the move, and Alyssa Warner, Public Information Officer for the city, says they’ll be looking to the public before they make their decision.
“Right now, we are gathering feedback from the community, from stakeholders, anyone who uses Pasco Water,” Warner said. “We’re asking them to let us know what you think. All of those comments will be passed on to city Council. And then that will help them make a hopefully very well-rounded decision.”
Dr. Steve Krager from the Benton Franklin Health District provided insight into fluoride’s role. He says it’s a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in water, and some cities add it to their water supply. In small doses, it helps strengthen teeth and bones. While he says there’s no evidence of harm when fluoride is in small doses, it’s ultimately up to the city to make a final decision.
“You know, this is not something that Franklin Health District has any, you know, regulatory authority. It’s up to the cities to decide what to do with their water,” Krager said.
Though the state does not mandate fluoride use in public water systems, it requires the city to notify the public three months before any changes. Warner hopes more people come out and comment on the possible removal of fluoride.
“People have been very vocal about what they think about this, and it’s really great to see that kind of civic engagement happening. So we’re really hoping that people will continue to let us know what they think. Hoping for 83,000 comments,” said Warner.
