USA - A fluid situation: Jonesborough continues fluoride discussion

Holes can be seen next to the barrel of acid that are created in the concrete whenever the barrels are changed at least once a week.

By COLLIN BROOKS

During a water tour of the Jonesborough Water Treatment Plant, the Jonesborough Mayor and Aldermen walked into a small room,  but they seemed to notice a big thing. A large black barrel had a hose in it, but it was also surrounded by holes in the concrete floor. A quick question, sparked what has now become a powder keg of controversy.

That black barrel contained hyrdrofluosilicic acid, which when added to the water, provides fluoride. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends fluoride levels to be at .7 milligrams per liter  in public drinking water. Jonesborough Water Treatment Plant Director Jon Lucas said that once Mayor Kelly Wolfe and the aldermen started asking about the room, one thing led to another.

“Once they saw inside the room and saw the floor around it, they started asking questions about what was causing it and I explained to them about the fluoride and how it is a really corrosive and nasty chemical,” Lucas said.

Wolfe reiterated those concerns when he spoke with the Herald and Tribune, while also saying that the 24,000-plus Jonesborough water customers will have a chance to weigh-in when they receive a survey from the Jonesborough Water Department this week.