Conway Corp anticipates it may temporarily pause the addition of fluoride to its drinking water beginning Friday, September 18, due to a global shortage of hydrofluorosilicic acid.
Conway Corp remains in constant contact with its supplier and has a confirmed shipment expected to be fulfilled this month. The shipment could arrive before September 18, but delivery cannot be guaranteed before the current fluoride supply is depleted.
If the shipment does not arrive in time, Conway Corp will temporarily stop adding fluoride until supplies are restored.
Is Conway’s water still safe to drink?
Yes. Conway’s drinking water remains safe to drink.
A temporary reduction or absence of added fluoride does not affect the overall safety, cleanliness or quality of Conway’s drinking water. Fluoride is added as a public health measure to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. It is not used to disinfect water or make drinking water safe.
Customers do not need to boil their water or switch to bottled water because of the temporary change. Conway Corp water can continue to be used normally for drinking, cooking, bathing and other household purposes.
Why is there a fluoride shortage?
The shortage is affecting water utilities across the country and is tied to disruptions in the global supply chain for hydrofluorosilicic acid, the compound Conway Corp and many other utilities use for community water fluoridation.
Much of the supply used by U.S. utilities comes from overseas. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has affected production and international shipping routes, contributing to decreased availability of hydrofluorosilicic acid in the United States.
As a result, water utilities across the country have reduced fluoride levels or temporarily suspended fluoridation while waiting for additional supplies.
Is this affecting other Arkansas water systems?
Yes. Conway Corp is not the only Arkansas utility experiencing the effects of the shortage.
Central Arkansas Water stopped adding fluoride to its water system August 31 after exhausting its supply. The utility received a partial shipment Sept. 14 but was only able to obtain approximately half of its normal tanker load. Central Arkansas Water has since reduced the amount of fluoride it adds to its water in an effort to extend its available supply while awaiting future shipments.
The situation illustrates the uncertainty utilities are facing. Even when shipments become available, utilities may receive smaller quantities or experience longer periods between deliveries.
How long could Conway be without added fluoride?
Conway Corp currently expects its fluoride supply to last through Friday, September 18.
A confirmed shipment is on the way and could arrive before the existing supply is depleted. If it does not, Conway Corp will temporarily stop adding fluoride to the water.
The interruption will be temporary. Conway Corp will resume adding fluoride at levels recommended by the Arkansas Department of Health when supplies become available.
Continued international supply chain disruptions could result in additional availability issues in the future.
Why is fluoride added to drinking water?
Hydrofluorosilicic acid is used by many communities to fluoridate drinking water as a public health measure intended to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Approximately 60 percent of the U.S. population receives fluoridated drinking water.
Fluoride is separate from the treatment and disinfection processes used to ensure drinking water is safe.
What should customers do?
Customers can continue using Conway Corp water as they normally would. There is no need to boil water, purchase bottled water or take other precautions related to water safety because of the potential fluoridation interruption.
Customers concerned about maintaining fluoride exposure can continue practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. Parents and customers with specific questions about their dental health or fluoride needs should contact their dentist or health care provider for guidance.
We’ll Keep You Updated
Conway Corp will continue monitoring the situation and working closely with its supplier.
If Conway Corp’s existing supply is depleted before the new shipment arrives, customers will be notified when the temporary pause begins. We will also notify customers when normal fluoridation resumes.
The most important thing for customers to know is that Conway’s drinking water remains safe, and no changes are needed in how customers use their water.
