Here’s when St. Petersburg will stop putting fluoride in water
St. Petersburg will stop adding fluoride to its public drinking water system next week to comply with a new statewide ban, the city announced Tuesday. But the city still touted the natural mineral’s dental benefits.
A law approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis last month requires municipalities to cease adding fluoride to their public drinking water systems by July 1. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adding fluoride to public drinking water helps prevent cavities.
“My administration remains dedicated to public health and the benefits of optimal fluoridation,” Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement. “As we work with community partners to explore ways that help impacted residents maintain their dental health, we will continue to provide updates and resources.”
Claude Tankersley, the city’s public works administrator, recently told a reporter that St. Petersburg stopped purchasing fluoride in anticipation of the law. He said the city is letting its existing fluoride supply run out.
Welch said the changes will not impact overall water quality and safety. Tuesday’s announcement said the city’s water treatment processes continue to meet or exceed all federal and state guidelines, including regular monitoring and “rigorous testing.”
It said that for decades, St. Petersburg has adjusted fluoride levels in its water supply as recommended by the federal government for optimal dental health. The announcement pointed out that state law does not require the removal of naturally occurring fluoride, which is found in St. Petersburg’s drinking water sources. The city said it will continue to monitor those levels to ensure they remain within safe parameters.
St. Petersburg recommends that residents use toothpaste and mouth rinses that have fluoride, get regular dental check-ups, limit sugary foods and beverages and ask dental professionals about supplemental fluoride treatments if necessary.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.