GLOVERVILLE, SC (WRDW / WAGT) – Fluoride is put into our water for the purpose of preventing cavities. Over the years, some have questioned it. But now a local water utility is getting rid of it.

The Valley Public Services Authority in Gloverville is stocking up on fluoride.

They say it all comes down to dollar signs. Parts of Graniteville, Warrenville, and Gloverville use Valley utilities, but the fluoride in their water comes from China. And the general manager here says it’s not cheap.

You’re looking at $ 3,500 in the last five months. The CEO of the Valley Public Service Authority says this fluoride has almost doubled in price. And that doesn’t include the cost to keep it at safe levels. But neighbors who use the water say it has benefits.

“I worry not only for myself, but for all of my neighbors and the kids because the American Dental Association loves fluoride in water because it kills a lot of cavities,” said Billy C. Craft, customer. by Valley Public Water.

The Valley Public Service Authority tells us that they have sent out notifications alerting customers that they are going to get rid of fluoride. But Billy Craft says he didn’t get the notification.

“The first time I heard about it was this morning while reading the neighborhood Facebook page,” he said.

Craft says he wishes there was more communication on his water before all is said and done.

“So without that, it would be an increase in dental work. Also, if you have to see a dentist for the fluoride treatment, that will be something else you will have to pay for, ”said Craft.

Whether fluoride will cost more or save more in the long run is up in the air, so it might be a good idea for the neighbors to keep brushing those pearly whites.

“At this point, it doesn’t look like that will happen,” he said.

The general manager chose not to go in front of the camera, but says he’s always happy to chat with people about their questions or concerns. We also called the town of Aiken which manages its own water. They say concerns have been raised in the past about fluoride, but not its cost, its entry into horse systems. They say that despite the price increase, they will keep it for now.

If you’re curious about what’s in your water, visit Georgia Drinking Water Monitoring or South Carolina Drinking Water Monitoring.

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