ST. THOMAS, Pa. — Bear Valley Water Authority is joining Chambersburg in plans to discontinue fluoridation of its drinking water, despite continued recommendations from the American Dental Association and other public health organizations.
On May 11, the Chambersburg Borough Council voted 6-5 against spending more than $220,000 to repair and upgrade the chemical feed equipment at the Julio D. Lecuona Water Treatment Plant. Mayor Kenneth Hock cast the tie-breaking vote to halt the program to save taxpayer money, citing changing modern beverage and dietary habits.
Bear Valley Water Authority also announced plans to discontinue adding hydrofluorosilicic acid to its drinking water, with the change anticipated in December 2026, according to its website.
The ADA, along with other major health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, continue to endorse community water fluoridation at optimal levels to help prevent tooth decay.
“Optimally fluoridated water is accessible to communities regardless of socioeconomic status, education or other social variables,” said Linda J. Edgar, D.D.S., a past president of the American Dental Association. “Even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from various sources, other studies show that community water fluoridation prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults throughout their life span. The scientific weight of sound evidence around the benefit of community water fluoridation is clear and compelling.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste work together to help prevent tooth decay and offer more protection against decay than using either one alone. Fluoridated water keeps a low level of fluoride in the mouth throughout the day, while fluoride toothpaste delivers higher concentrations at important times of the day, such as bedtime.
