Water systems reduce fluoride levels amid supply chain disruptions
Water fluoridation levels reduced in multiple US states due to geopolitical supply disruptions; European systems should monitor regional suppliers.
Several water systems across the United States are reducing fluoride levels or pausing fluoridation due to supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran war. The shortage stems from reduced domestic production of hydrofluorosilicic acid and reduced exports from major suppliers, including producers in Israel affected by the ongoing military conflict.
Water systems adjusting fluoride levels
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Company, serving two counties in Maryland, temporarily reduced fluoride levels from approximately 0.7 milligrams per liter to 0.4 milligrams per liter on April 7. The company cited reduced domestic production and lower output from other producers as causes. In Hanover, Pennsylvania, borough officials sought to pause fluoride addition after their water system could not find a supplier. One water treatment company declined to sign a supply contract because it was unable to source fluoride. The borough eventually received a shipment from another supplier not experiencing shortages. Lititz, Pennsylvania also paused fluoridation in March but resumed after obtaining another shipment.
Impact on water fluoridation practices
The shortage reflects vulnerabilities in the fluoride supply chain. Tony Thomas, Hanover's director of water and wastewater treatment, reported that at least one supplier indicated that companies sourcing fluoride from Israel may be seeing reduced exports due to military conflict. The shortage has forced some water systems to either reduce fluoride concentrations below standard levels or temporarily halt fluoridation entirely. The American Fluoridation Society and American Dental Association have been contacted for additional information on the extent and duration of the shortage.
Frequently asked questions
Why are water systems in the US reducing fluoride levels
Supply chain disruptions caused by the Iran war have reduced domestic production of hydrofluorosilicic acid and limited exports from major suppliers, including those in Israel. This has forced water systems like the Washington Suburban Sanitary Company to lower fluoride concentrations from 0.7 to 0.4 milligrams per liter.
Which water systems have been affected by the fluoride shortage
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Company in Maryland, Hanover Borough in Pennsylvania, and Lititz Borough in Pennsylvania have all been impacted. WSSC reduced fluoride levels on April 7, while Hanover and Lititz paused fluoridation temporarily in March.
What is the standard fluoride level for drinking water
The standard concentration is approximately 0.7 milligrams per liter. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Company reduced its level to 0.4 milligrams per liter due to the shortage.
How does the Israel conflict affect fluoride supplies
Israel is a major producer and exporter of fluoride compounds used in water fluoridation. The ongoing military conflict has reduced exports from Israeli suppliers, creating shortages for water systems that rely on these sources.
Will the fluoride shortage be temporary or long-term
The available information indicates temporary reductions and pauses. Some water systems have resumed fluoridation after receiving shipments from alternative suppliers, but the duration depends on broader supply chain recovery.
