Request for City Council Direction on Drinking Water Operating Permit Amendment May 5, 2026
Background & Operations
Fluoride naturally present in the City's water
Supplemental fluoridation adjusts these natural levels to reach a specific target levels State law requires fluoridation for large systems when funded, City currently does not have outside funding Utilities Division oversees chemical procurement, metering, dosing, and laboratory sampling Prior 1970s ballot measure was advisory
Water Quality and Fiscal Impacts
Natural fluoride remains if supplemental fluoridation ends Groundwater: Approximately 0.4–0.5 ppm naturally
Imported Water (MWD): Approximately 0.7 ppm
Discontinuing the program would result in significant savings:
Approx. $160,000 in annual operations (O&M)
Approx. $6.7 million in avoided future capital costs
Regulatory Process & Next Steps
Staff is requesting direction to submit permit amendment to discontinue fluoridation.
Any change requires SWRCB Division of Drinking Water review.
If approved, modify system & decommission fluoridation equipment Not a CEQA project.
Questions?