Water district shows how fluoride is added to drinking water

Water district shows how fluoride is added to drinking water

KENNEBUNK (WGME) -- Seven towns in York County will decide this November if they want to keep fluoride in their public drinking water.
The issue started a large debate in the small communities on whether fluoride is actually helping or hurting.
Water district officials took CBS 13 inside their water filtration facility in Kennebunk to see firsthand how fluoride is added to drinking water. Dentists say it's good for our health but district officials want it removed for the same reasons.
In a secluded room at the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water Plant, liquid fluoride is added to drinking water.
Officials say 20,000 pounds of it are put in the water each year, and it's been that way for more than a decade.
From water fountains, to brushing your teeth, local dentist Dr. Lisa Slaughter says fluoride benefits young and old.
"A lot of us have grown up with fluoridated water and probably have healthier mouths, and we can kind of thank fluoride for that," Slaughter said.
She says the fluoride in the water is part of the reason children have less cavities now than in the past.
But the water district wants it out, saying it's all about safety.
Voters from the seven communities will decide on this referendum come the November ballot. A total of all of the votes from the towns will decide what happened next.