Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - After a lengthy period without fluoride being added to Buffalo's water system, Buffalo Water has now received notification from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), officially approving plans to reinstate fluoride in Buffalo's water.
Buffalo Water began the process during a kickoff meeting Friday to proceed with construction to restore fluoride to the City of Buffalo water supply, marking a significant step towards upgrading Buffalo’s water system.
Last August, Buffalo Water submitted development plans to reinstate fluoride to the NYDOH. For months, the groups engaged in a series of necessary discussions and meetings to determine the safest and most reliable plan to improve a new fluoride system in Buffalo.
Newly elected Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon quickly weighed-in on the fluoride approval, stating;
"I am pleased to share that after the Buffalo Common Council sent a letter to the Buffalo Water Authority requesting a fluoride update, we've received news that Buffalo Water has obtained official approval from the NY State Department of Health to reintroduce fluoride into our city's water. I want to thank our Council leadership team, my colleagues on the Council, and our dedicated residents, along with dental experts, who tirelessly advocated for this crucial issue and educated us on the importance of fluoride in our drinking water.”
"We will work expeditiously to complete this project, and we are confident that these upgrades will contribute to the overall well-being of Buffalo residents," Chair of Buffalo Water, Oluwole "OJ" McFoy, said.
The approved project encompasses comprehensive upgrades to the Buffalo Water fluoride feed system, incorporating improvements to pumps, pipes, injection pipes, monitoring equipment, and associated appurtenances. These enhancements aim to ensure the efficient and controlled distribution of fluoride, adhering to the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
"I want to thank Buffalo Water for working in collaboration with the New York State and Erie County Departments of Health and achieving the green light for construction to restore fluoride to the City of Buffalo's water supply," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said Friday.
Buffalo Water along with its State and County partners and Veolia Water are working collaboratively to implement these enhancements seamlessly, with minimal disruption to the water supply. Following this morning's meeting, Buffalo Water anticipates residents can expect the complete return of fluoride in the summer of 2024.
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