Fluoride Levels Reduced in Maryland Drinking Water Amid National Shortage

Multiple water utilities in Maryland have temporarily reduced the level of fluoride added to drinking water, citing a national shortage of a key fluoridation chemical linked to disruptions in the international supply chain.

Summary of Actions

Two major water providers have implemented reductions:

• Baltimore City Department of Public Works: Reduced fluoride levels from 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 0.4 mg/L for its approximately 1.8 million customers.
• WSSC Water: Reduced fluoride levels from 0.7 mg/L to 0.4 mg/L for its approximately 1.9 million customers in Maryland suburbs outside Washington, D.C.

Both utilities stated the drinking water remains safe and the reduction does not impact overall water quality, only the fluoride treatment level.

Cause of the Shortage

The shortage involves hydrofluorosilicic acid, a chemical used to fluoridate drinking water. According to industry representatives, the chemical is primarily sourced from a small number of international producers and is imported by U.S. suppliers.

Dan Hartnett of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies stated that a main supplier of the chemical in Israel reduced production after employees were called into military service, which disrupted shipments. The conflict in the Middle East is cited as a factor in the supply chain disruption.

Utility Statements and Response

• Baltimore: Matthew Garbark, director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, stated the utility's supplier reduced deliveries from three to two per month.
• WSSC Water: Ben Thompson, director of production at WSSC Water, said their supplier notified them of a 20% reduction in supply. Thompson stated the utility is attempting to extend its existing supplies due to uncertainty about the shortage's duration.

Both utilities described the reductions as temporary measures, with the goal of restoring fluoride to the recommended level of 0.7 mg/L when the supply chain normalizes.

Broader Context and Precedent

• National Practice: The U.S. Public Health Service recommends a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L. Approximately 60% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated drinking water, a public health measure intended to reduce tooth decay.
• Regulation: The Environmental Protection Agency regulates drinking water but does not require the addition of fluoride.
• Previous Shortages: In March, water systems in Lititz Borough and Hanover Borough, Pennsylvania, reported similar shortages involving other suppliers. Those supply issues were resolved within weeks.

Dan Hartnett noted that if the shortage continues, more water systems across the country may be forced to reduce or temporarily halt fluoridation.

The Texas-based supplier for both Baltimore and WSSC Water, Pencco, did not respond to requests for comment.