REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Chau Vu, Director of Public Works
PREPARED BY: John Poehler, Deputy Director of Public Works
Subject:
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Request for City Council Direction Regarding an Operating Permit Amendment from the California State Water Resources Control Board to Discontinue Supplemental Fluoridation of the City's Drinking Water Supply
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Statement of Issue:
The City of Huntington Beach currently supplements its drinking water supply with Fluorosilicic Acid in accordance with its Domestic Water Supply Permit issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water. Direction is requested from the City Council regarding whether staff should pursue an amendment to the City's operating permit to discontinue supplemental fluoridation.
Financial Impact:
The Water Master Plan (507) contains $6.7 million in on-site Fluoride Generation projects that would not be needed if the City discontinues supplemental fluoridation. The Water Fund (506) annually spends $150,755 on fluoride purchase and maintenance. Decommissioning fluoride equipment would result in one-time costs that are projected to be minimal.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Direct staff to submit a request to the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to amend the City's Domestic Water Supply Permit to discontinue supplemental fluoridation.
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Alternative Action(s):
1. Take no action at this time
2. Direct staff accordingly
Analysis:
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral present in many groundwater and surface water sources. Supplemental fluoridation refers to the controlled addition of fluoride compounds to drinking water to achieve a target concentration. In 2025, U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., removed the recommendation by Center for Disease Control and Prevention of adding...
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