Evansville Fluoride Shortage
By: Web Producer
Updated: May 10, 2007
Theres something missing from evansvilles drinking water -- flouride. The water department says it has not been putting fluoride in the water supply since it ran out in February.
The water department says it notified the state board of health. But it did not -- and still has not-- notified the public.
The plants that provide the city with fluoride were in New Orleans.
But Hurricane Katrina wiped out those plants, and now the city has run out. The city says it has fluoride ordered -- but it has no idea when it may arrive. They do however say the water is safe to drink.
Armacost says the water department hasnt notified the public because flouide is not a required chemical under the safe water standards.
Dentists we spoke to said if they had known, they could have given their patients fluoride treatments.
The American Dental Association issued a statement warning that the shortage could cause a temporary setback in the battle against tooth decay. Children in particular could be at risk. If youre concerned about your kids, you may want to consult a dentist.
