City of PSL temporarily halts adding fluoride to water

Published on December 18, 2024

The City of Port St. Lucie is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its residents. As part of that commitment, the City’s Utility Systems Department has temporarily stopped adding fluoride to the water supply for its 95,000 customers.

This decision follows recent concerns raised by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who cited potential health risks associated with fluoride exposure based on medical studies.

A St. Lucie County ordinance from 1989 mandates utility systems in the county fluoridate their water. However, the St. Lucie County attorney has indicated he did not recommend enforcing the ordinance at this time, given the Surgeon General’s concerns.

“Our top priority is to provide our customers with the safest and highest-quality product possible,” said Kevin Matyjaszek, Director of the Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department. “Given recent concerns, we felt it was in our customers’ best interest to temporarily halt adding fluoride to our water until more information is available.”

The City of Port St. Lucie will continue to review the situation, including any new data or recommendations. City staff will also work closely with the City Council and St. Lucie County to address the county ordinance and consider next steps.

Please visit our website at CityofPSL.com for new information as it becomes available.