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RentalsPut it to a vote and let the residents decide, Beatrice Water Superintendent Steve Kelley says about fluoridating the city’s water supply.
“If they want it, fine, it they don’t, fine,” Kelley said. “I’m staying neutral.”
The Nebraska Legislature gave second-round approval this week to a bill requiring fluoride to be added to drinking water in cities and towns with populations of more than 1,000. Those with enough natural-occurring fluoride wouldn’t have to add any.
Kelley says he realizes the pros and cons of fluoridating the water and suggests that the issue should be placed on the ballot for residents to decide.
“The people should decide on whether they want to do it or not before we buy the equipment,” he said.
Under the state law, cities and towns would be able to opt out of the law, if it passes, by voting on it before June 1, 2010.
More than 942,000 Nebraskans are served by 65 public water systems that add fluoride to water. Forty-one systems are naturally fluoridated.
But 64 Nebraska communities with more than 1,000 people, including Beatrice, don’t add fluoride or have enough naturally occurring fluoride.
From April 1950 to November 1954, Beatrice fluoridated as recommended by the Gage County Dental Association.
Kelley said fluoridation stopped in 1954 after a petition was circulated in the community and the issue was placed on the ballot. Residents then voted by a 2-to-1 margin to have fluoridation stopped. Beatrice voters have since defeated fluoridation in ballot issues another two or three times, he said.
According to Kelley, Beatrice water has a natural fluoridation level of 0.25, but it is not enough to meet the recommended approval if the law passes.
If the law were to pass and the city of Beatrice required to add fluoride, it is Kelley’s guess that it would initially cost the city about $15,000 to $20,000 to purchase the needed equipment, such as a weight scale, chemical feeding pump and testing equipment.
It would then cost the city about $15,000 plus operation and maintenance costs each year to fluoridate, a cost that would be equal to about $1 for every Beatrice resident, Kelley said.
Some state lawmakers see the bill as a way is to reduce tooth decay. Medicaid dental programs cost as much as 50 percent less in fluoridated communities, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Fluoridation opponents contend research shows fluoride has been linked to health problems and doesn’t necessarily prevent tooth decay.
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