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Selma council votes to discontinue adding fluoride to town water system
Summary
Council approved removal of fluoride from Selma's water distribution system after staff presented costs and operational considerations; the utility will notify the health department and residents and continue post-decommission testing.
The Town Council voted June 25 to discontinue adding fluoride to Selma's public water system, following a staff recommendation that cited modest ongoing costs and maintenance requirements.
Nick, the town's water and sewer crew leader, told council Selma is one of the few Johnston County towns still adding fluoride and that about 693 customers currently receive water from a Johnson County line containing fluoride. He said the town spends roughly $60 per month on fluoride testing and about $12,000 annually on fluoride chemicals; pump and tank maintenance costs range from an estimated $5,000 to $25,000 per year.
Staff recommended decommissioning the fluoride feed pump and tank, notifying the North Carolina health department and notifying residents of the change. Nick said the department recommends continuing to test water after decommissioning to monitor natural fluoride levels.
Council opened and closed a public hearing on the matter without additional public comment and then voted to approve removal of fluoride. Council members asked staff to ensure clear public notification about the change, and staff confirmed they would follow required notice procedures.
