BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Water announced it has received approval from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to reinstate fluoride in the city's water.
This is a story that 7 News has been following since January 2023 when a Buffalo Water report stated that city residents had not had fluoride in their water for eight years. Several pages into the report, a note stated "since June 22nd, 2015 fluoride has not been added to your drinking water."
Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon said he and the other council members recently sent a letter to the Buffalo Water Board. They are asking for a definitive timeline on what the next several months will look like to restore fluoride.
"The big thing is that we get it done as soon as possible," Scanlon said. "We've got to move it, you know, it's been eight, nine years almost at this hasn't been in the water, so no more delays."
At the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and Dental Clinic, Dean Dr. Marcello Araujo said fluoride is one of the most important inventions in the dentistry field.
"Having fluoridated water, having access to fluoride will decrease health disparities," Dr. Araujo said, "I think what's happening with the lack of fluoridated water in Buffalo — you're exposing the population to a higher risk of having tooth decay and that would add to not just the health disparities but also increase cost for the population later on."
READ MORE: Buffalo Water customers without fluoride for nearly a decade, report shows
"Buffalo Water is committed to providing safe and affordable drinking water to members of the Buffalo community. This approval by the New York State Department of Health marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts in furtherance of the health and well-being of Buffalo Water customers. We will work expeditiously to complete this project, and we are confident that these upgrades will contribute to the overall well-being of Buffalo residents."
The lack of fluoride in city water led to a lawsuit being filed against the city and water board in July.
READ MORE: New lawsuit against City of Buffalo, water board over lack of fluoride in water
Recently, members and doctors from the Eighth District Dental Society voiced their concerns to Buffalo's Common Council over the lack of fluoride in the city's water.
READ MORE: Doctors voice concerns to Buffalo Common Council over lack of fluoride in city water
According to Buffalo Water, "the approved project encompasses comprehensive upgrades to the Buffalo Water fluoride feed system, incorporating improvements to pumps, pipes, injection pipes, monitoring equipment, and associated appurtenances. These enhancements aim to ensure the efficient and controlled distribution of fluoride, adhering to the highest standards of safety and effectiveness."
Buffalo Water said it is working with its partners to make the process seamless with minimal disruption to the water supply and anticipates the complete return of fluoride to city water in the summer of 2024.
