Fluoride will not be returning to the City of Piedmont’s public water supply, against the recommendation of numerous medical experts.
City leaders listened to a panel of local and area dentists, as well as officials from the UAB School of Dentistry and the Alabama Department of Public Health present both scientific and anecdotal evidence praising the fluoridation of public water in the prevention of tooth decay.
Local Piedmont dentist Ben Ingram arranged the presentation, which lasted over an hour, in an effort to convince the council to return fluoride to the city’s drinking water.
The chemical compound, which panel experts said reduces cavities by 30 to 40% and the Center for Disease Control considers a top ten public health achievement of the last century, was removed from Piedmont’s water supply in 2013, citing rising costs, scarcity of the chemical, as well as public opinion.
“I’ve talked to many of my constituents about this and they’re not concerned at all,” said Council Member Greg South, adding that “others prefer not to have it.”
In dealing with the necessary equipment upgrade costs, officials from the Alabama Department of Public Health informed the council that the state does have grants available.
An official with the city’s water department later told the council that the fluoride alone would cost the city $5,000 per year. Additionally, the city would have to constantly make costly repairs caused by the chemical’s corrosive nature.
No action was taken on the matter, effectively upholding the council’s past decision to not add fluoride to the city’s water.
In other business, the council approved an abatement resolution to place a second lien on a 1st Avenue property in order to cut the grass.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $479,928.85.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7th, following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.