Halifax Water admits it should have been more open.
The utility revealed fluoride has not been added to water for more than a year because of equipment issues at the Lake Major and Pockwock plants.
In an update Friday, the company stated they fell short on communication with their customers and the public.
“Halifax Water acknowledges that it should have notified customers about the interruption of fluoridation,” the utility said in a media release. “We take feedback very seriously and want to assure customers and the public that they will be made aware of these interruptions moving forward.”
”These were operational decisions based on independent equipment issues at both water supply plants that had to be repaired or replaced at each facility.”
Halifax Water will resume adding fluoride “when systems are ready and it is safe to do so” but no firm timelines were given.
The utility reports all changes in drinking water treatment, including fluoridation, to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) when they occur, as required in its operating permit.
“Halifax Water is committed to meeting our regulatory commitments to provide safe drinking water. However, we also understand that we need to improve our communications related to longer-term interruptions of our fluoridation process with our customers, our Board of Commissioners and the Municipality. We will work to address these gaps moving forward,” said Kenda MacKenzie, Acting General Manager of Halifax Water.
In Nova Scotia, the addition of fluoride is not a regulatory requirement or mandatory but based on recommendations and input from public health officials.
Halifax Water has added fluoride at some water supply plants since the mid-1950s.
The decision to add it at Lake Major and Pockwock Lake was most recently revisited in 2014. At that time, the Halifax Water Board of Commissioners endorsed fluoridation based on support from the IWK, the Nova Scotia Dental Association, and the Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry.
“Any future decisions on fluoridation will be based on engagement with the Halifax Water Board and Public Health. Additionally, any infrastructure improvements that require significant capital costs and operational risks associated with upgrades will undergo a rigorous regulatory review process.”
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