The City of Richmond’s Water Treatment Plant faced an incident on April 23 due to the installation of a new fluoride pump. This event led to a temporary increase in fluoride levels in the city’s water system for five hours. However, officials confirmed that the water remained safe to drink during the installation period.
Fluoride levels measured at the Water Treatment Plant and within the distribution network were reported on April 28. Current fluoride concentrations at the plant range from 0.63 mg/L to 0.7 mg/L. The City took proactive measures by flushing parts of the system and conducting monitoring to ensure safe fluoride levels throughout the distribution network. On April 29, test results indicated that all areas in the distribution system had fluoride levels below 2.0 mg/L, specifically ranging from 0.60 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L. The City has informed the Virginia Department of Health about the stable fluoride levels that are now below the 2.0 mg/L safety threshold.
Fluoride naturally occurs in groundwater and is added to municipal water supplies to enhance dental health.
For more information on fluoride and fluoridation, the public can visit the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water’s website. Further details about fluoride-related health concerns can be accessed by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
