NSBU Utilities Commissioners voted unanimously on Monday February 24th to discontinue the addition of Fluoride to the potable water supply, per staff recommendation. Numerous operational factors were considered and led up to staff’s recommendation for the elimination. The Fluoride feed equipment is at end of life and would require considerable reinvestment for continuance, no longer operational, and the equipment replacement costs can reach approximately $500,000. Another driver in the recommendation were labor costs, along with required testing, costing approximately $5,000/yr. In addition, there are continuing Fluoride supply challenges as it is an imported chemical (Sodium Silica Fluoride) with increasing costs of approximately $32,000/yr.

Due to these business considerations, staff with GM-CEO approval ceased ordering additional Fluoride to avoid any required costs associated with the disposal of any unused Fluoride supply. Existing supply was depleted as of January 2025. NSBU remains focused on our stated Vision, Mission, and Values; to operate and maintain infrastructure that provides essential, safe, and reliable utility services to our customers.