Fluoride to return to Buffalo’s water supply after approval from DOH

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo Water announced Saturday that its new fluoridation system has been approved by the Department of Health, with fluoride scheduled to be back in the city’s water supply starting Tuesday.

On Monday, Buffalo Water will receive a new shipment of fluoride and after it’s implemented Tuesday, the distribution system will be monitored over the next few weeks, according to Buffalo Water.

“The successful completion of Buffalo Water’s fluoridation project marks a significant milestone for Buffalo Water,” Buffalo Water Board Chairman Oluwole “OJ” McFoy said in a statement. “Buffalo Water is committed to providing safe and affordable drinking water to City of Buffalo residents. With the Department of Health’s approval, we are confident that the new system will allow Buffalo Water to continue providing high-quality water to the City of Buffalo.”

The announcement follows Buffalo Water receiving approval from the DOH in January 2024 to move forward with construction to upgrade to the city’s water system, which included the restoration of fluoride.

In 2015, Buffalo stopped adding fluoride to the water system, which remained unknown to residents until The Buffalo News reported on it in 2023.

Afterwards, a group of parents filed a lawsuit against the city and Buffalo Water, asking for damages to be paid out and that the chemical be put back in the water as soon as possible.

McFoy said at the time that the fluoride was removed for a $1 million upgrade to the distribution system and blamed the pandemic for the nine-year wait. A city spokesperson had also said that the the mineral would be back in the water supply by the end of 2023.

The last update to the system was back in July, where a flow meter was installed to help determine the proper amount of fluoride to add into the water.

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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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