HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 06 22 Regular Item A
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM
A
CONSENT
INFORMATIONAL
PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR X
June 22, 1998
Meeting
MGR~fV\ IDEPT pI--
Authorization
REQUEST: Utility Department Requesting Direction Relative to Fluoridation of the
Potable Water Supply
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Board item is for the City Commission to direct staff on
whether it is their desire to have a fluoridated potable water supply.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The issue of why the City of Winter Springs does not fluoridate the potable water
supply was raised at the June 8, 1998 City Commission meeting. This issue was
previously voted on at least twice, once in approximately 1988 and more recently on
January 8, 1996. Both times the decision was to not fluoridate the water supply. The
issue has never been put to a referendum in this City.
Approximately two thirds of the population in this country served by a public
water supply receive fluoridated water of which 10% are from naturally occurring
fluoride. The amount of naturally occurring fluoride in the City of Winter Springs water
supply is insignificant.
The capital costs to install a fluoride injection system is estimated at $25,000 for
each of the three water treatment plants for a total of$75,000. Annual operating costs are
estimated to be $6,000 for the chemicals, testing, and equipment maintenance. No
additional staffing is needed.
June 15, 1998
Regular Agenda Item A
Page 2
The Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services administers a grant
program called the Florida Fluoridation Project as part of the Public Health Dental Program. The
Florida Fluoridation Project has $300,000 available annually on a first come first serve basis. All
available funds have been used the past two years.
ISSUE ANALYSIS:
The City Commission has three options to consider for the fluoridation issue:
1. Continue the current practice of not fluoridating.
2. Direct the staff to begin the design, permitting and grant application
for fluoridation.
3. Put the issue offluoridation to a referendum.
FUNDING:
No funding is needed at this time. If the decision is made to proceed with
fluoridation, $50,000 ofthe $75,000 capital costs are grant eligible plus the first two
years of chemical ($2,000 per year) are grant eligible.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE:
The design of a fluoridation system could begin in the coming fiscal year. If a
referendum is desired, it would be held at the next available election.
A TT ACHMENTS:
None
COMMISSION ACTION: