Council debates removal of fluoride
 from drinking water

(11/10) During the November 8 Town Council meeting, Walkersville Water Superintendent Matt Orndorff strongly advocated for the removal of fluoride from town drinking water, citing concerns about hazards related to fluoride exposure at the water treatment plant. The proposal sparked a heated debate, with opinions divided on potential health implications and financial considerations. For more than half a century, fluoride, a fundamental component of dental health, has been routinely added to community water supplies to support public health.

Orndorff initiated the discussion by addressing the harsh nature of fluoride as a chemical handled daily by water treatment plant operators. He emphasized that Walkersville is one of few municipalities still adding fluoride to its water, citing neighboring towns like Thurmont, Emmitsburg, Middletown, and Boonsboro, which have opted against fluoridation.

"In today’s world, the addition of fluoride is unnecessary," Orndorff stated. "It is the harshest chemical that my operators have to handle on a daily basis."

He proceeded to highlight the economic benefits of discontinuing fluoride treatment, estimating a potential annual savings of over $10,000. Orndorff argued that ceasing fluoridation would result in a higher quality water product with reduced chemical use, benefiting both operators and consumers. His argument was supported by a report prepared by a plant operator outlining the corrosive effects of fluoride vapors on the equipment in the fluoride room at the water treatment plant. The report included photographs illustrating deteriorating pumps in the relatively new three-year-old plant, underscoring the need for frequent equipment replacement due to the corrosive effects of fluoride.

However, the credibility of this report came under scrutiny from Commissioner Betsey Whitmore Brannen, who questioned the use of several sources. In particular, she addressed information provided by the Karlfeldt Center, a naturopathic doctor based in Idaho who has previously been censured by the Federal Trade Commission for promoting "Covid falsities and unfounded cures."

Brannen also challenged Orndorff’s assertion that fluoridation is unnecessary. "36% of people in [Frederick] County are living below the poverty line," said Brannen. "They could be relying on water for fluoride [if they don’t] receive basic dental care." Orndorff countered by clarifying that the fluoride dosage being added to Walkersville's water was not at a beneficial level, rendering it ineffective for dental health.

"The recommended dose of fluoride is 1,000 parts per million (ppm) two times a day. We are feeding fluoride at a state recommended dose of .8 ppm," he said. Brannen emphasized that even this small amount could make a difference for underserved residents who may not be able to afford fresh fruits and vegetables containing natural fluoride.

Addressing Orndorff’s concerns about hazardous working conditions, Brannen asked about the utilization of protective gear by water operators and questioned whether any employees had quit due to their work with fluoride. Orndoff replied that protective gear is in use and that there have been no operators who have resigned over fluoride handling.

Although Commissioner Mike McNiesh initially agreed with Orndorff’s proposal, he shifted his stance in alignment with Brannen. "Community water fluoridation is recommended by nearly all public health, medical and dental organizations. It’s recommended by the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. Public Health, and the World Health Organization," said McNiesh. "I’m gonna have to go with the recommendations of those organizations over places I haven’t heard of before."

Conflicting opinions remained at the end of the meeting resulting in the decision not to stop fluoride addition for the time being; however, they may reconsider in the future. For now, Walkersville will stand with Frederick City and Fort Detrick as one of the few county municipalities that continue to utilize fluoride in public water sources.