Shreveport, La. – The City of Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage announced Monday that it will begin reintroducing fluoride into the municipal water system at a reduced level. The adjustment follows the arrival of an extra shipment of fluoride, a modest but welcome boost amid ongoing nationwide supply challenges.
Why the reduction?
Interim Water and Sewerage Director Brandon R. Snead explained that the city’s supplier cannot guarantee when the next shipment will arrive. By temporarily lowering the amount of fluoride added to the water, officials can stretch the current inventory while still providing the dental‑health benefit that fluoride offers.
How long will the supply last?
At normal dosing rates, the newly received shipment would have lasted roughly one month. With the reduced dosage, the department estimates the supply will extend six to eight weeks, giving the city additional breathing room as it continues to seek reliable deliveries.
Impact on water quality
The department emphasized that the temporary reduction will not affect the safety, taste, or overall treatment of Shreveport’s drinking water. Residents can continue to use and consume city water as usual. Fluoride is added as a supplemental measure for dental health and is separate from the core treatment and disinfection processes that ensure the water is safe to drink.
Looking ahead
City officials remain in regular contact with their supplier and are exploring alternative sources to mitigate future shortages. When a stable supply can be secured, the department plans to return to normal fluoridation levels.
Community response
Local health advocates praised the city’s proactive approach, noting that maintaining any level of fluoridation helps protect children’s teeth and supports public‑health goals. “Even a reduced amount is better than none,” said a representative from the Shreveport Dental Association.
Meanwhile, some residents expressed concern about the shortage, urging the city to prioritize long‑term solutions. “We rely on consistent water quality,” one homeowner remarked. “It’s reassuring that the department is being transparent and taking steps to conserve the supply.”
Overall, the city’s measured response aims to balance immediate public‑health needs with the practical realities of a constrained national market.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
