Utility Director Scott Paris urges council to consider removing fluoride from city water; public input to be scheduled

Utility Director Scott Paris told the council the city’s water system currently doses fluoride at about 0.7 parts per million and that the city pays roughly $20,000 a year for the chemical.

"Some of our staff has had some concerns about the fact that we do need to have fluoride that we, introduced into our water supply," Paris said, outlining long-standing dental public-health arguments for fluoridation and newer studies and lawsuits that have raised safety questions. He cited a recent federal review and a California district court action that prompted an EPA reassessment.

Paris told the council staff recommended removing fluoride from the municipal supply for three reasons: emerging safety concerns in some studies, worker safety while handling powdered fluoride chemicals, and the availability of other fluoride sources such as toothpaste. "There is no current requirement that water systems add this," he said.

Council members pressed staff on likely visible impacts and next steps. One councilor asked whether removal would change the water’s color or taste; Paris said it would not. Paris offered to return with a formal resolution and public hearing schedule and council directed staff to put the matter on the next regular meeting agenda so residents can comment.

The discussion did not include a formal motion to end fluoridation; council agreed to receive more information and to consider a resolution and public input at the next meeting.