Buckeye has recently begun ramping up the removal of fluoride and arsenic from its water, according to a $3 million contract obtained by Freedom of Information Act request from the city.
State records show Buckeye has historically fallen below the EPA-mandated level of 4 milligrams per liter. However, with the confirmation of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the levels are poised to be scrutinized.
The U.S. Public Health Service already recommends a level of 0.7 mg/L for water systems. The World Health Organization in 1984 established a guideline value of 1.5 mg/L, above which fluoride intake is not recommended.
When the level of fluoride in drinking water exceeds 1.5 mg/L, dental fluorosis can occur, resulting in tooth discoloration, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The EPA limits fluoride levels in drinking water to 4 parts per million, which is far above typical fluoridation levels, to prevent fluorosis. Minnesota in 2020 lowered its target level for fluoride in water to between 0.5 and 0.9 mg/L.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill into law March 27 that prohibits the addition of fluoride to the state's public water systems, making that state the first to ban it as an additive.
How does Buckeye test out?
All Buckeye wells passed the EPA's threshold of 4 mg/L.
Terry Lowe, water resources director for the City of Buckeye, explained the contract and water quality.
"The recent contract for the new system is focused on the removal of fluoride from drinking water," he said. "When fluoride levels in our raw water sources approach regulatory limits, we utilize these systems as a treatment method. This is currently the case for the Tartesso system."
Five out of nine wells -- Buckeye Acres, Buckeye City, Sonoran Ridge, Sun Valley and Primrose -- all fell safely under the WHO recommended levels of 1.5 mg/L, according to 2024 state consumer confidence reports. Four wells, including Sundance, Tartesso, Valencia and Buckeye Ranch, exceeded that level.
The WHO standard is also the same standard for fluorosis, the mechanism of tooth discoloration, according to the NIH.
None of the wells queried by InBuckeye fell under the U.S. Public Health Service recommended level in water systems. InBuckeye used a simple keyword search to identify Buckeye-associated water wells and cross-referenced them with state consumer confidence reports.
Buckeye passes the fluoride standard and has measures in place to address any issues.
Michael McDaniel can be reached at [email protected]. We invite our readers to submit their civil comments or opinions on this or any issue. Email [email protected].
2 Responses
Does it pass the standard of a political lackey w a 10 year heroin addition history, neurocistercercosis, and bizarre conspiracies? Who cares what he thinks!.. how about passing OSHA standards!
Bob, just read the story. There is no Occupational Safety and Health Administration, standard. That’s for workplaces.
There are EPA, and WHO recommended standards.