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Utilities director: tank leaks have limited fluoride treatment; temporary fix, notification plan discussed
Summary
Catherine Zager, director of City of Bloomington Utilities, told the Monroe County Board of Health that leaks in concentrated-fluoride storage have prevented the utility from consistently adding the recommended 0.7 mg/L of fluoride since 2019.
Catherine Zager, director of City of Bloomington Utilities, told the Monroe County Board of Health on Sept. 18 that leaks in the utility’s concentrated-fluoride storage have prevented the system from delivering the U.S. Public Health Service–recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter of fluoride since 2019.
The utility has two storage tanks for the hydrofluoric acid used in fluoridation. Zager said the larger “bulk tank” was relined in 2022 after leaks continued, and that temporary delivery systems tried since then posed safety risks to staff. "Temporary delivery systems were tried, but they pose significant safety risks to staff. With the hydrofluoric acid, that is 1 of the most dangerous chemicals we have at our plant," Zager said.
Board members and staff discussed why the city had not earlier notified the health department, dentists or primary care providers. Sarah Reiterband, the county health officer, confirmed the utility restored reporting to the…
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