Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Quality topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Director Webb presses city for fluoride information as staff recommend fluosilicic acid contract
Summary
At a July workshop the Hot Springs Board reviewed a recommended term contract with Univar Solutions USA to supply fluosilicic acid for the water treatment plants; Director Webb asked whether the chemical contains fluoride and asked for state law and pros/cons to be included in the packet.
At an agenda‑review workshop, the Hot Springs Board discussed a proposed term contract with Univar Solutions USA to supply fluosilicic (fluorosilicic) acid for the city’s water treatment plants, and Director Webb pressed staff for information about health effects and legal requirements.
Utilities Director Bobby Harris presented the procurement background and said staff recommended a term contract to Univar after reviewing bids. Director Webb asked, “Fluorosilic acid, does that contain fluoride?” and Harris replied, “Yes, sir. That’s exactly what it is.” City Manager Bill added that the city is required to fluoridate under state law, saying, “I could tell you it’s a state law that we have it.”
Why it matters: The discussion surfaced public concern about fluoride levels and what the city will provide to residents. Director Webb asked staff to include a packet that lists the state law requiring fluoridation and a pros-and-cons summary addressing both water‑quality effects and possible health concerns described by residents.
Details: Harris told the board the city received two bids for the fluosilicic acid contract, recommended Univar Solutions USA as the lowest responsible bidder, and that a notice of intent to award was published without protest. Board members also asked about annual usage and unit pricing for the city’s water chemical contracts; staff estimated current use at roughly 50 gallons per day and cited about $0.75 per gallon as an approximate unit price for budgeting.
Next step: The contract and the requested informational packet will be on the board’s formal agenda for consideration at the July 21 meeting at City Hall.
