Anita Campbell
County Reporter
The Warsaw City Council invited members of the community to an open forum on Thursday, March 9, on the issue of the reintroduction of fluoride into the City of Warsaw’s drinking water.
On January 3, 2023, a request was made to the Board of Alderman by KATY Trail Health Center and the Department of Health and Senior Services to add fluoride back into the city's drinking water. The Board of Alderman agreed to a 90-day public comment period. On January 12, Mayor Eddie Simons signed the notification form starting the public comment period. The public hearing was part of the information gathering process.
Citizens were encouraged to speak at the open forum to let their opinions be heard and considered by the Warsaw City Council.
Katy Trail dental hygienist Jessica Burdick spoke to the city board about the need for fluoride for the sake of children.
“There are a lot of us here who have put in time and effort into trying to urge Warsaw to re-implement community water fluoridation since it was removed in 2015 due to insufficient funding,” said Burdick. “I want to ask for the aldermen to do what is best for the entire community. Working daily in this community that does not have fl2 water, I see community members of all ages that have to suffer due to dental pain and lack of access to care."
“Warsaw only has two dental offices, and we are drowning trying to provide services to everyone we can in this area that is in need. Fluoridated water can help us to begin to see some relief to our seemingly endless efforts."
“Cooking, ice cubes, water fountains, brushing our teeth and drinking the water are all ways to expose our community to the fluoridated water which will benefit every single person in our community."
“Water fluoridation is an effective and safe way to decrease cavities throughout our community,” said Burdick.
Warsaw resident George McCannon questioned the cost of adding fluoride to the drinking water and wondered why bottled water does not contain fluoride.
Warsaw North Elementary teacher Crystal Boyd spoke in favor of fluoridation because she sees many children who are not seeing a dentist and she believes it would benefit the children in the long run.
Warsaw health professional Kathryn Porter addressed the city council about the drawbacks to fluoride, including health issues resulting from fluoride being added to the water.
According to a recent study by the University of Utah, excess amounts of fluoride ions in drinking water can cause dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, bone damage, osteoporosis, muscular damage, fatigue, joint-related problems, and other issues.
Warsaw City Administrator Randy Pogue commented that he has been working with PeopleService contractor Mark Breshears to determine the cost of fluoridation.
“We will have to purchase equipment to inject fluoride into the water and there will be upkeep as well,” said Pogue.
Breshears said that his company would be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the fluoride equipment.
“Warsaw had fluoride in the drinking water in the past but negative reaction from the public led to the city removing the fluoride from the water supply,” said Breshears.
An anticipated date for the Board of Alderman to make a decision is May 1. Up to that date the public comment period will remain open.
