Nationwide Shortage of Fluoride Prompted Search for Quality Fluoride
Current three month supply on hand allows vendor time to locate new sources
After a brief four week absence, fluoride supplies are again being delivered to GRU's Murphree Water Treatment Plant. As a result, Gainesville's drinking water supply is again being treated with the optimal levels of fluoride recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service to reduce tooth decay in our community.
Due to a nationwide shortage, GRU had been unable to obtain fluoride since January 26. However, experts have indicated that the benefits of fluoridation build up over time, and that a temporary lack of fluoride is negligible unless it lasts three to six months.
GRU received a tanker-load of fluoride, approximately 5,000 gallons, which will provide two and a half to three months of treatment, depending on water demand.
GRU's fluoride supply was restored by Shrieve Chemical, with whom GRU has a long term contract. GRU had made efforts nationwide to find a quality supply of hydrofluosilicic acid, which is used for fluoridation, but the wide-spread shortage made it impossible to find. Water utilities all over the state and nation state have experienced similar problems in obtaining fluoride.
According to John O. Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., former secretary of the Florida Department of Health, "Approximately 9.6 million people are benefiting from fluoridation in Florida and the Florida Department of Health is strongly committed to fluoridation of community water systems."
GRU voluntarily adds fluoride to Gainesville's drinking water to enhance dental care, and was the first utility in Florida to begin fluoridating community drinking water for dental health purposes in 1949, and remains committed to this beneficial practice.
