USA - Bolivar MO may stop adding fluoride to drinking water after 11 years

Bolivar MO may stop adding fluoride to drinking water after 11 years
by Sara Forhetz, KY3 News
Story Published: Apr 13, 2010 at 5:58 PM CDT
(Story Updated: Apr 13, 2010 at 6:33 PM CDT )
BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The city says it's about to get a lot more expensive to keep fluoride in its drinking water. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will require the city to test the chemical levels every single day, even holidays. The estimated cost will be about $25,000 a year, which the city says it doesn't have.
There will be a public hearing on May 4 at Bolivar City Hall at 6:30. Citizens will be able to let council members know what they want before a decision is made.
Rebecca Still, who owns Design 4 Healing, wants fluoride out, and so do many of her customers. She says it's for good reason.
"It's a neurotoxin. The cost to the citizens is they're having to pay for the water and then pay to have it removed from the water," said Still.
Many dentists disagree. They say fluoride is the single most effective way to prevent tooth decay, and also helps strengthen bones.
"We are very much for leaving it in. In proper levels, it is very very safe," said dentist Dr. Don Jump.
The city council voted fluoride into the water in Bolivar in 1999.