Monroe County residents will soon see improvements in the fluoride levels in their drinking water, following a detailed update from Catherine Cat Zager, the director of the City of Bloomington Utilities, during the Monroe County Board of Health meeting on September 18, 2025. Zager addressed concerns raised in previous meetings regarding the fluoride delivery system, which has struggled to maintain the recommended levels since 2019 due to ongoing leaks in the chemical feed system.

Zager explained that the utility has been unable to deliver the optimal fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter due to persistent issues with their bulk tank, which was relined in 2022 but continued to leak. Temporary solutions attempted to address the problem posed safety risks to staff, leading to a thorough evaluation of the entire system. The utility aims to implement a safe and cost-effective temporary solution by 2026, with a more comprehensive overhaul planned for 2027.

In response to community concerns about the implications of inadequate fluoride levels, Zager emphasized the importance of transparency. The utility has committed to improving public understanding of fluoride levels through annual presentations of the consumer confidence report, which details fluoride levels and other water quality metrics. This report will now be discussed in regular meetings, encouraging public attendance and engagement.

Board members raised critical questions about the lack of communication regarding fluoride levels, particularly concerning the dental community's awareness of the issue. Zager acknowledged that the fluoride levels had not been reported for two years prior to her tenure and expressed a commitment to better education and outreach moving forward.

The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing maintenance and updates to the water treatment infrastructure to prevent similar issues in the future. Zager noted that while fluoride is not essential for water safety, it plays a significant role in public health, particularly for children. The board members agreed on the necessity of notifying the public about fluoride levels, recognizing the potential health impacts on vulnerable populations.

As the utility works towards resolving these issues, residents can expect increased transparency and efforts to ensure that fluoride levels in their drinking water meet health standards, ultimately benefiting the community's dental health.