BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek has temporarily reduced the amount of fluoride added to the city’s drinking water to conserve supplies amid a nationwide shortage of fluoridation chemicals and rising costs.

The city continues to add fluoride and is maintaining a concentration of approximately 0.50 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in treated drinking water. That is below the recommended community water fluoridation target of 0.70 mg/L but above the naturally occurring level of approximately 0.15 to 0.20 mg/L.

The adjustment affects only the amount of fluoride added to the water. Adding fluoride is not required under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and this adjustment does not change the city's compliance status under that law.

The city began the adjustment Aug. 21 and plans to seek additional supply and more stable pricing through a future bidding process. Based on current projections, existing fluoride supplies should last through at least December.

The city notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, which reported that other water systems across Michigan are facing similar supply challenges.

Staff continue to monitor supply availability and market conditions. The city intends to return to the recommended fluoridation level when practical and economically feasible.

Customers with questions about fluoride, oral health, or other drinking water concerns can contact the City of Battle Creek Water Department at 269.966.3496 or 269.966.3355 Ext. 1827.

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