The Brief
- Starting July 31, Milwaukee Water Works will lower fluoride levels in the drinking water due to national supply chain shortages.
- Overall water quality and safety are unaffected, as fluoride is added solely to support oral health, not to make the water safe to drink.
- Residents do not need to change their drinking habits or oral hygiene routines.
MILWAUKEE – Due to national supply chain constraints impacting fluoride treatment additives, Milwaukee Water Works will temporarily reduce the amount of fluoride added to drinking water.
Fluoride reduction, still safe
What we know:
Milwaukee Water Works says the water remains safe to drink and continues to meet water quality standards. This temporary adjustment is related only to the availability of fluoride treatment additives and does not affect the overall safety or quality of Milwaukee’s drinking water.
While fluoride is not required to make drinking water safe, community water fluoridation is a longstanding public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. Milwaukee has fluoridated its drinking water since 1953, following decades of scientific evidence supporting community water fluoridation as a safe and effective way to help prevent tooth decay.
Supplier problems
What we know:…