Some Maricopa residents received a letter over the weekend from Global Water Resources warning of “elevated fluoride levels” detected in their drinking water for the past year.
The fluoride levels are high enough to be considered dangerous for children — and people are demanding to know why they weren’t notified until now.
InMaricopa obtained a copy of the letter which states drinking water samples from the Santa Cruz Water Company, a regional utility that services Maricopa, showed fluoride concentration levels ranged from 0.54 to 2.7 milligrams per liter. The samples were gathered between July 1, 2023, and Aug. 30, 2024.
Drinking more than 2 milligrams of fluoride per liter can lead to dental fluorosis, cosmetic discoloration or pitting of permanent teeth in children under 9.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits fluoride concentrations in public drinking water to 4 milligrams per liter. Drinking water containing this amount of fluoride can increase the risk of bone disease.
The letter noted that while the concentration levels are high, it is not unsafe to drink for older children and adults.
A cause for concern?
GWR Chief Operating Officer Chris Krygier said the elevated levels of fluoride aren’t a major cause for concern.
“Fluoride is actually naturally occurring in the environment. It’s an element that’s in the dirt, it is not something that we put in the water,” he said. “It is something that we monitor for as part of the rigorous standards and protocols under the Safe Drinking Water Act.”
However, this week’s letter left a bad taste in the mouth of some Maricopans.
Tortosa resident Natalie Davis was one of the recipients. She said the notice left her feeling “irritated,” especially because she has an immunocompromised child at home.
Tooth discoloration “is not at all the worst thing that can happen from elevated fluoride,” she told InMaricopa last night. “Who’s to say they’re not lying about the levels if they lied about this for over a year?”
Help is on the way
Krygier said when GWR saw the fluoride levels creep up last year, the utility began working on adding another well to the city, the Sorrento East Well.
This new well became operational a few weeks ago, providing an additional water source and an area for monitoring the elements found in water. Krygier said the provider anticipates seeing fluoride levels drop below 2 milligrams per liter by the end of the year.
Residents still concerned about the elevated fluoride levels can seek home water treatment units to remove fluoride from drinking water. GWR said residents can contact NSF International about available units at 1-877-8-NSF-HELP.
Elias Weiss contributed to this report.
