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Kingsport renews water-chemicals contracts; officials discuss fluoride levels and testing
Summary
The Board renewed awards for water and wastewater chemical purchases and heard city staff describe stabilized chemical prices and that Kingsport’s fluoridation level is roughly half the EPA’s upper control limit.
The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen on March 18 renewed the city’s awards for purchasing water and wastewater chemicals and discussed trends in chemical pricing and local fluoridation levels.
The resolution renewed awards for chlorine (JCI Jones), zinc orthophosphate (Karis Corporation), coagulant (USALCO), polymer (Coastal Water Technology LLC), fluoride (Penco), and sodium permanganate (Kim Wright Inc.). The board approved the resolution by voice vote; the measure passed 6–0.
During discussion, board members asked whether chemical price increases tied to the COVID-era spike had stabilized. City staff replied that prices have generally stabilized compared with the sharp increases seen in 2020, though levels remain above pre-2020 prices. City staff also said fuel costs have come down, which helps operations.
Board members raised questions about state-level legislation affecting fluoridation. City staff cautioned they could not predict legislative outcomes but said multiple bills were moving through committees and that any state action would be complied with.
Utility staff provided details on local fluoride testing: the city’s routine samples show fluoride concentrations about half of the EPA’s upper control limit and substantially below amounts that public-health organizations recommend for dental benefits. Staff said the city tests fluoride daily and that fluoridation was originally adopted by referendum in the 1950s; any statutory change at the state level would require compliance.
City officials said the chemical purchases and budget adjustments noted in the packet reflect accounting for price changes and that those adjustments are being incorporated into fiscal 2026 planning.
