Delays in Restoring Fluoride in Calgary's Drinking Water

 

Notice of delay in restoring fluoride to drinking water in Calgary. Fluoride restoration was expected to be completed in September. But infrastructure upgrades are underway at the Glenmore and Bearspaugh water treatment plants. It is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025, the city said.

Fluoride was removed from drinking water in 2011. The city said the infrastructure was decommissioned and removed following the decision to stop fluoridation. In November 2021, city council voted to reinstate fluoride after a referendum showed 62 percent support for adding the mineral to Calgary's drinking water.

Researchers say that this water can strengthen teeth despite its low fluoride content. Researchers hope that even very small amounts of fluoride can make a difference in many people.

Meanwhile, officials point out that restoring fluoride to drinking water will not only take longer, but also be more expensive than originally anticipated. Estimates show that infrastructure operating costs at the two water treatment plants rose from $10.1 million to $28.1 million.