When the Georgetown County Water and Sewer District announced it would stop adding fluoride to the drinking water for Waccamaw Neck residents, local dentists quickly organized a campaign to restore the practice. The district’s board approved the suspension this summer after the district’s operations staff cited the expense of replacing aging fluoridation equipment.
Dental professionals voice concern
“It just kind of blew my mind that they would do this,” said Dr. Nick Papadea, a dentist and former president of the South Carolina Dental Association. He and his wife, Dr. Meredith Papadea, a pediatric dentist, learned of the decision from a September letter and immediately began gathering support to reverse it.
“The disturbing thing for me is the fact that it was done without consulting anybody,” Meredith added. “There should have been more discussion about this.” The Papadeas argue that fluoridation is a proven public‑health measure that protects children and adults, especially those who lack regular dental care.
Public‑health background
Fluoride has been added to public water supplies in the United States since the 1940s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists community water fluoridation as one of the ten great public‑health achievements of the 20th century. The CDC estimates that fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25 percent in both children and adults.
Nationally, the EPA limits fluoride in drinking water to a maximum of 4 parts per million (ppm), while public‑health agencies recommend an optimal level of 0.7 ppm. Georgetown County’s water system has consistently fallen short of that target, averaging just 0.23 ppm in 2023, the most recent year with complete data.
Cost considerations
The fluoridation equipment at the district’s plant was last replaced six years ago at a cost of $80,000. District utility director Tommie Kennedy estimates that a new system would now cost roughly double that amount, with annual chemical expenses of $10,000 to $12,000. “It’s not a huge amount of money, but it’s a savings,” Kennedy said, noting that the chemical is toxic and corrosive and requires special handling.
Operations director Michael Yip highlighted the dental benefits of fluoride in a July memo but also pointed out that many foods and beverages contain the mineral, listing examples such as Coca‑Cola (0.51 ppm), beer (0.45 ppm), and McDonald’s french fries (1.15 ppm). He argued that customers should have a choice about adding what he called an “additional contaminant” to their water.
Community impact
Meredith Papadea emphasized that fluoridated water serves as a safety net for families facing economic hardship. “We have single mothers who are working three jobs. These kids may not brush their teeth three times a week,” she said. She added that increased sugar consumption can lead to decay across all socioeconomic groups, making community water fluoridation an important equalizer.
Both dentists noted that while bottled water and certain foods contain fluoride, the consistent exposure provided by public water is more reliable, especially for children who may not receive regular dental check‑ups.
Next steps
The Papadeas are circulating a petition among their professional colleagues and plan to present it to the district board next month. “It’s a safety net for adults and children,” Nick said, urging the board to consider the long‑term health benefits alongside the modest cost.
District officials have indicated they will weigh the petition and the community’s input before making a final decision on whether to reinstate fluoridation.
Original reporting: Coastal Observer (Georgetown County) — read the source article.
