Fluoride equipment added to Buffalo water after 9 years

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo Water is on schedule to complete new system improvements and restore fluoride to the city's drinking water by the end of the summer after nine years.

On Thursday, the fluoridation process began as necessary equipment was installed near the filtration plant at the Colonel Ward Pumping Station. A professional diver arrived at the plant early this morning to install a flow meter that will help determine the proper amount of fluoride to add the water.

The topic of fluoride has caused conflict in the city in the past. In 2015, fluoride was taken out of the water without citizen knowledge. Residents did not find out until it was reported on in 2023.

Chair of the Buffalo Water Board OJ McFoy had said that the mineral was removed for an upgrade to the distribution system and blamed the pandemic for the nine-year wait. Following a class action lawsuit against the city's Water Board, a city spokesperson said the fluoride would be back later that year, 2023.

Buffalo Water obtained state approval to proceed with new system upgrades earlier this year.

System programming and initial testing are expected to be completed this month. Additional work is expected to continue into August.