Nationwide, public drinking water suppliers are experiencing supply chain issues. Sourcing sodium fluoride has become increasingly difficult. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are aware of this industry-wide issue and are working to assist water suppliers.

The City of Rochester adds sodium fluoride during the water treatment process, which is not required for safe drinking water but provides several health benefits. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element in many water supplies at trace amounts. In Rochester, the fluoride level is adjusted to an optimal level averaging 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to improve oral health in children. At this level, it is safe, odorless, colorless, and tasteless.

Unfortunately, the supply of sodium fluoride at the Surface Water Treatment facility has been exhausted. The supply at the Groundwater Treatment Plant is estimated to last through October. This situation is expected to continue for a number of months. The City of Rochester is diligently pursuing all options for resupply. The supply chain for other water treatment supplies remains strong.

Follow-up notifications will be sent when the fluoride dose returns to optimal levels. For questions, please contact the Water Treatment Facility at 603-335-4291. For more information on fluoride, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html.