Fluoride to return to Buffalo water supply Tuesday

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - After much controversy, criticism and legal battling stemming from ceasing the fluoridation of water in the City of Buffalo, the process of adding fluoride to the water supply for the city will resume Tuesday, city officials have announced.

Buffalo Water has announced that its new fluoridation system has been officially approved by the Department of Health and will resume operations Tuesday.

On Friday, representatives from the Erie County DOH visited the Colonel Ward Pumping Station and confirmed the completion of Buffalo Water's fluoridation project, ensuring that the city's water supplier meets all required standards. Fluoride is scheduled to be reintroduced into the city's water supply starting Tuesday, following the delivery of fluoridation treatment materials on Monday morning.

"The successful completion of Buffalo Water's fluoridation project marks a significant milestone for Buffalo Water", said Buffalo Water Board Chairman Oluwole "OJ" McFoy. "Buffalo Water is committed to providing safe and affordable drinking water to City of Buffalo residents. With the Department of Health's approval, we are confident that the new system will allow Buffalo Water to continue providing high-quality water to the City of Buffalo."

Fluoridation was ceased years ago to make way for an upgrade to the system. City residents weren't made aware of the end of fluoridation until a Buffalo News report revealed it in 2023.