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Home My WebLink AboutITEM WITHDRAWN FROM CONSIDERATION - Request for City Council �NiiNGT 2000 Main Street, oy Huntington Beach,CA U , 92648 City of Huntington Beach ITEM WITHDRAWN FROM F�uN ✓�Q<' CONSIDERATION fn File #: 26-335 MEETING DATE: 5/5/2026 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager VIA: Chau Vu, Director of Public Works PREPARED BY: John Poehler, Deputy Director of Public Works Subject: Request for City Council Direction Regarding an Operating Permit Amendment from the California State Water Resources Control Board to Discontinue Supplemental Fluoridation of the City's Drinking Water Supply Statement of Issue: The City of Huntington Beach currently supplements its drinking water supply with Fluorosilicic Acid in accordance with its Domestic Water Supply Permit issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water. Direction is requested from the City Council regarding whether staff should pursue an amendment to the City's operating permit to discontinue supplemental fluoridation. Financial Impact: The Water Master Plan (507) contains $6.7 million in on-site Fluoride Generation projects that would not be needed if the City discontinues supplemental fluoridation. The Water Fund (506) annually spends $150,755 on fluoride purchase and maintenance. Decommissioning fluoride equipment would result in one-time costs that are projected to be minimal. Recommended Action: Direct staff to submit a request to the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to amend the City's Domestic Water Supply Permit to discontinue supplemental fluoridation. Alternative Actionl's)j 1. Take no action at this time 2. Direct staff accordingly Analysis: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral present in many groundwater and surface water sources. City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 3 Printed on 4/29/2026 powered by Leg ista 1970 File #: 26-335 MEETING DATE: 5/5/2026 Supplemental fluoridation refers to the controlled addition of fluoride compounds to drinking water to achieve a target concentration. In 2025, U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., removed the recommendation by Center for Disease Control and Prevention of adding fluoride to community drinking supplies. The City of Huntington Beach currently supplements fluoride at its water treatment facilities in accordance with regulatory requirements established by the California State Water Resources Control Board and consistent with permit conditions governing the operation of the municipal water system. The State of California enacted the California Fluoridation Act requiring certain public water systems serving more than 10,000 service connections to fluoridate drinking water when outside funding for capital costs is available. The City's fluoridation program was implemented pursuant to this framework and is reflected in the City's operating permit issued by the Division of Drinking Water. Current Operations The Utilities Division manages fluoridation through chemical feed systems located at the City's water treatment and blending facilities. Staff monitor and control fluoride levels to maintain concentrations within regulatory limits established by state and federal drinking water standards. Operational responsibilities include: • Chemical procurement and storage • Metering and dosing systems • Monitoring and laboratory sampling • Regulatory reporting and compliance The City remains fully compliant with all current regulatory requirements related to fluoridation. Advisory Ballot Measure In the 1970s a previous ballot measure presented to Huntington Beach voters expressed public support for fluoridation of the City's water supply. Based on recent legal review, the measure was advisory in nature and was not codified into the Huntington Beach Municipal Code. As such, the measure reflects voter sentiment at that time but does not establish a binding legal requirement regarding fluoridation practices by the City of Huntington Beach. Policy direction regarding fluoridation remains within the authority of the City Council. Regulatory Process to Discontinue Fluoridation If the City Council directs staff to discontinue supplemental fluoridation, the City would be required to submit a request to the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, to amend the City's Domestic Water Supply Permit. City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 3 Printed on 4/29/2026 powered by Legista 1971 File #: 26-335 MEETING DATE: 5/5/2026 The permit amendment process would generally include: • Submittal of a formal request to the Division of Drinking Water • Review by the State regulatory agency • Approval of system modifications and operational changes • Decommissioning or removal of fluoridation equipment Fluoride would continue to occur naturally in the City's water supply at background concentrations between 0.4-0.5 parts per million (ppm) based on 85% groundwater at 0.4-0.5ppm and 15% blended Metropolitan import water at 0.7 ppm. Considerations City Council direction may consider a range of factors including: • Public health perspectives and recommendations from health agencies • Community input and historical voter sentiment • Operational safety considerations for the water utility • Long-term maintenance and lifecycle costs of fluoridation systems • Regulatory compliance requirements Staff will implement the policy direction provided by the City Council. Environmental Status: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project. Strategic Plan Goal: Goal 6 - Infrastructure Investment, Strategy D - Undertake major planning efforts including Fleet Capital Replacement Plan, Mobility Master Plan and Infrastructure Report Card to adequately anticipate and prepare for future infrastructure needs. For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan. Attachment(s): 1. DDW Annual Fluoride Cost Report 2025 2. Citations from Domestic Water Supply Permit 3. CA Health and Safety Code 4. PowerPoint Presentation City of Huntington Beach Page 3 of 3 Printed on 4/29/2026 powered by Leg ista 1972 M ti 01 DDW FLUORIDATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Please submit via email this completed form and attachments by September 1, 2025 to: Local DDW office. Water System Name: City of Huntington Beach Utilities Water System Number: 3010053 Current number of Service Connections: 54,970 Population Served: _ 200,000 1. Year Fluoridation Began Early 1970's 2. Type(s) of fluoride used Hydrofluosilicic Acid 3. What were the actual Operation and Maintenance Costs for FY 2024/2025 (7/1/2024 thru 6/30/2025)? (Please attach Calculations) $ 147,173 4. What are your anticipated Operation and Maintenance costs for the next fiscal year (7/1/2025 thru 6/30/2026)?(Please attach Calculations) $ 150,755 {Note: This information can be submitted later(by January 1, 2024) if not yet available. This information is not required if system size is less than 10,000 connections) 5. What is your Optimal Fluoridation Range? • Optimal Level = 0.7, Range = 0.6 — 1 .2 6. On what date was the Optimal Fluoridation Range last calculated? 6/1/15 7. What is the date of your Fluoride Monitoring Plan? Revised June 2015; Attached copy from the Comprehensive WQ Monitoring Plan dated November 2018. 8. What is the date of your Operations Contingency Plan? June 2015 9. What is the Result and Date of your last raw water Fluoride Analysis? Dates: 5/14/25, 5/15/25, 5/21/25 and 6/26/25 Results: See Attachment- D Name of person submitting this report Kristen Schroeder Email kristen. chr_oeder(c�surfci =h�b.or. Phone (714) 960-8802 Signature 1,(--C-51Le..-eili Title Water Quality Supervisor Date 7/15/2025 { { et • Past Operation and Maintenance Costs (Question 3 on first page) See Attachment-A For water systems that fluoridated the previous fiscal year(July 1 through June 30), the water supplier shall report the operations and maintenance costs for that year to the Department by August 1. (Section 64433.7(b), T22, CCR) • Anticipated Operation and Maintenance Costs (Question 4 on first page) See Attachment-B Any public water system required to install a fluoridation system pursuant to subsection (a) or required to fluoridate pursuant to subsection (b) shall annually submit an estimate of anticipated fluoridation operations and maintenance costs for the next fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) to the Department by the January 1 preceding that fiscal year. (Section 64433(c), T22, CCR) • Anticipated Optimal Fluoridation Range: —Not included—As of June 2015 Fluoride is no longer temperature-based Any public water system that is fluoridating shall comply with the temperature- appropriate fluoride levels in Table 64433.2-A. The system shall determine, and submit to the Department, its annual average of maximum daily air temperatures based on the five calendar years immediately proceeding the current calendar year. (Section 64433.2, T22, CCR) • Monitoring Plan: (Question 7 on first page) See Attachment-C If a water system has a single fluoridation system which treats all the water distributed to consumers, the supplier shall collect a daily sample for fluoride analysis, pursuant to §64415(b), either in the distribution system or at the entry point. If a water system does not fluoridate all its water and/or has more than one fluoridation system, the supplier shall collect one sample daily in the distribution system and rotate the sample sites in order to be representative of the water throughout the distribution system according to a monitoring plan the Department has determined to be representative. (Section 64433.3(a), T22, CCR) • Operations Contingency Plan: (Question 8 on first page) See Attachment-C Water systems fluoridating as of July 1, 1996 shall submit a fluoridation system operations contingency plan by July 1, 1998. All other water systems shall submit the plan at least three months before initiating fluoridation treatment. All fluoridating water systems shall operate in accordance with a fluoridation system operations contingency plan determined by the Department to include the elements in subsection (b). (Section 64433.8(a), T22, CCR) g ti 1 C) • Annual Raw Source Water Analysis for fluoride: (Question 9 on first page) See Attachment-D Any water system with an operating fluoridation system shall sample the raw source waters annually and analyze for fluoride pursuant to §64415(a); samples collected pursuant to §64432(b)(1) may be used toward satisfying this requirement. All raw source water samples collected under this subsection are subject to compliance with the fluoride MCL in Table 64431-A. (Section 64433.3(d), T22, CCR) ATTACHMENTS: Enclosure-A: Fluoride Operations & Maintenance Costs Worksheet— Fiscal Year 2024-25. Enclosure-B: Fluoride Operations & Maintenance Projected Cost Worksheet— FY 2025-26. Enclosure-C: City's Fluoridation Plan and Operations Contingency Plan. Enclosure-D: Sierra Laboratory's Source Raw Fluoride Analysis Reports for 2025. Co ti o) ENCLOSURE A: Fluoride Operations & Maintenance Costs Worksheet Fiscal Year 2024-2025 F- @ ? co C 2 $ q 0 « o m $ ,7 o n Co# 2 11 \ 2 2 I- ¢in c N ® c C # _ 4 m m U) _ @ m _ G c00 = w� � <-1 � e � \ \ I , � 6/ © © a N i < �% coLO I . 01 m2g ( / ® I ) 1 , ar ^ . o I I 0 o) | kk u c ; k ^ 1 @ O 2 ! 1 ? 2 - s , = _ c® ; q [ 1 . £ 3 a ' u = ) Co ; � k ® § C ' I . o • mg 1 KSe s 4-1 1k ® t | I i O 0, e { ' 2 \ 2 I | ! . 0 c ¥ I , ! ® I : _ | ' L ; ƒ cD - ` , ;1 : ; . < , . , 1 ( il : = / 0 I I I ® I o _ d _ C e o c e k f \ ® f \ & 5 k co c \ / I R / ke \ \ � u) 0o > \ : ? § 42 » = m » aCI)® g / am 2 o / k % k i® .§ f j { # 2 D 0 t _ 0 w 0 R 2 2 W J k 2 0o ti (5) ENCLOSURE-B: Fluoride Operations & Maintenance Projected Cost Worksheet Fiscal Year 2025-26 3 I Cr) 14.. t CI) 1 'V C9 U)N L. CO›.. +, — 0 0 V' r N 0 N 0 CO N 1.1> OS CO 0 ,cr N 0 1.0 ...., 1.5) *Ct.CV 4- V> C-- CO CV Tr er U) 0 1,.. t••• .0. • CI) 0 CD r ri ai c•-; 1"-- CI 1.0 CO CD CS .... " U)' N.. r-. 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Li, o • ct) LU 0 NI N CI- 2 E 0 CO o) ENCLOSURE-C: City of Huntington Beach Fluoridation Plan and Operations Contingency Plan (Copy from 2018 Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan) co C) City of Huntington Beach Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan Fluoridation Plan • arta 110 fsrta FLUORIDE METER TM.. CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH UTILITIES DIVISION Z+t t r Fluoridation Plan Revised June, 2015 November 2018 9-2 N CO C) City of Huntington Beach Comprehensive Wa:er Quality Monitoring Plan Fluoridation Plan FLUORIDE OVERVIEW Fluoride occurs naturally in the City of Huntington Beach drinking water wells at an average annual level of 0.4 mg/L. In addition to this natural level the City adds a small amount of fluoride to the water to promote dental benefits per a majority vote of the community during the early 1970s. The City's water has previously been fluoridated at the existing California Water Fluoridation Standards temperature-dependent optimal level of 0.8 mg/L and control range of 0.7 to 1.3 mg/L. In the Spring of 2015, the Centers for Disease Control recommended water systems adjust their fluoride content optimal level to 0.7 mg/L, and the State Water Resources Control Board—Division of Drinking Water(DDW) advised public water systems in California to implement this change. In June, 2015 the City initiated a new water fluoridation standard optimal level of 0.7 mg/L, and control range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/L. FLUORIDE MONITORING All "active" wells and import connections are monitored daily for fluoride concentration after fluoride treatment. In addition, one fluoride sample in the distribution system is monitored daily at one of fourteer locations on a rotating basis as identified on Distribution System Fluoride Sampling Locat ons list (Page 9-3), and shown on Water System and Sampling Stations map (Page 9-4). All of the daily source and distribution samples are collected and analyzed by trained City water system personnel, including weekends and holidays. Once a month, all "active" wells are sampled and analyzed by City personnel prior to fluoride treatment to measure the natural fluoride concentration. Also, a monthly Split Sample is collected by the City personnel at one of the fourteen distribution system fluoride locations. Half of the sample is analyzed by trained City personnel and the other half analyzed by a State certified laboratory. This s done pursuant to the City's Fluoridation System Operations Contingency Plan (Page 9-5). Once per year all wells and import connections are sampled by City personnel and analyzed by a State certified laboratory for the natural fluoride concentration. FLUORIDE MONITORING SUMMARY Frequency Sample Locations Type Analyzed By Daily Act ve Wells and Imported Water Connections Treated City Daily Distribution Fluoride Sample (1 of 14 Rotating Sites) Distribution City Monthly Split Sample (1 of 14 Distribution Fluoride Sites) Distribution City & Lab Monthly Active Wells Raw City Annual All Wells Raw Lab November 2018 9-1 3 M co i Q1 City of Huntington Beach Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan Fluoridation Plan DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FLUORIDE SAMPLING LOCATIONS (Collected daily on a rotating basis including weekends and holidays) Day Sample Locations Route No.* 1. Mon Sample Site @ Bushard St. & Leilani Dr. 40 2. Tue Sample Site @ 4952 Oahu Dr. 9 3. Wed Sample Site @ 19412 Pitcairn Ln. 28 4. Thur Sample Site @ 17581 Wrightwood Ln. 20 5. Fri Sample Site @ 20651 Farnsworth Ln. 34 6. Sat Sample Site @ 5882 Croupier Dr. 1 7. Sun Sample Site @ 16441 Bradbury Ln. 10 8. Mon Sample Site @ 9392 Hazelbrook Dr. 33 9. Tue Sample Site @ 5022 McFadden Ave. 3 10. Wed Sample Site @ 19081 Pauline Ln. 26 11. Thur Sample Site @ Sceptre Ln. &Warner Ave. 17 12. Fri Sample Site @ Palm Ave. @ Island Bay Ln. 29 13. Sat Sample Site @ 16921 Ross Ln. 16 14. Sun Sample Site @ Paseo Cr. & Newland St. 22 " Corresponding numbers on the Bacteriological Examination Route. November 2018 9-2 v co rn City of Huntington Beech Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan Fluoridation Plan Huntington Beach Water System Map O cveorars .0 a.*w:.ovru: NM .` �� Water Wells, O Hatc.N.n[a�ur •• W.Inffi.0 - Pld� V 113 o....., • .ev,cc,..c,v, J 0 import Connections, Oe,u�n. R.InNOT —noes — trimMr.13 �.. _.... ......._._ _•��, __ _.. . _.,• Reservoirs & Q• Sampling Stations o- i (City of Huntington Beach a • - 4P a.... .O (_ Weil 3 t i014 i? .. W .......______\\NN/__A 0 ...... _ lc ittbir c y {; „ i (1)..G4 s- +Ud ` ` �-4::Sc Edwards H.A. .... > _ _ yy aw. r ... .. • . l\ . \\, \I. ' • .,, i A i, .... ._ _ __ _.___ • _... Emergency Connections o \ c� m , •4 OP City of Westminster t d '' 'A, ' City of Fountain Valley \....— 1 t.,...., City of Seal Beach -,x f.- City of Seal Beach �� A, .( CO EE Clty of Westminster November 2018 9-3 CO rn City of Huntington Beach Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan Fluoridation Plan Fluoridation System Operations Contingency Plan City water system personnel will collect one sample on a daily basis, including weekends and holidays, at one of fourteen fixed locations that are representative of the water throughout the distribution system, and will rotate them on a continuous cycle. The fourteen locations are individual sample sites included in our Bacteriological Examination Route in the Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan, and are also identified in the Distribution System Fluoride Sampling Locations list in this Fluoridation Plan (Page 9-3). Once per month water system personnel will collect one fluoride sample from one of the fourteen fixed locations and divide the sample. Half will be analyzed by the City and half will be analyzed by a laboratory certified by DDW pursuant to Section 64433.3 of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. Each raw water source for Huntington Beach will be sampled and analyzed annually for the natural fluoride content by a DDW certified laboratory, and results sent to DDW via Electronic Data Transfer. The annual fluoride monitoring results must be in compliance with the fluoride Maximum Contaminant Level of 2.0 mg/L. Each active raw water source will also be sampled and analyzed for the natural fluoride content once per month by water system personnel and will be included in the Monthly Fluoridation Self-Monitoring Reports. If any source has been inactive for the month that is being reported then results of the most recent analysis will be included. By the tenth day of each month following the month being reported, the City shall send operational reports to DDW which will include: 1) The fluoride compounds used and the calculated fluoride dose in mg/L; 2) Information on any interruptions in the fluoridation treatment which may have occurred during the month, including the duration of the interruption, an explanation of the causes and what corrective actions were taken to assure that fluoridation treatment was resumed in a timely manner; 3) The results of the daily monitoring for fluoride in the distribution system reported in terms of daily results, as well as ranges and number of samples collected; 4) The results of monthly split sample(s) analyzed by a DDW certified laboratory and City water system personnel. The appropriate Fluoride levels for the City are summarized below: City of Huntington Beach Required Fluoride Levels Control Range—mg/L Low Optimal Level High 0.E; 0.7 1.2 November 2018 94 co co City of Huntington Beach Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan Fluoridation Plan 1. If at any time the fluoride level in the distribution system is found to be less than the control range, 0.1 mg/L above the control range up to a fluoride level of 2.0 mg/L, from 2.1 to a level of 4.0 mg/L, from 4.1 to a level of 10.0 mg/L or above a level of 10.0 mglL, water system personnel will respond immediately.A site visit will be conducted to determine if there has been a malfunction or failure of the metering pumps.All necessary actions to correct any problems will be carried out without delay. 2. The procedure for shutting down the fluoridation equipment in the event of a fluoride overfeed, if the need to do so is identified by DDW and/or the water supplier, will be performed by City water system personnel as instructed by the Production Supervisor(see Operator's Emergency Plan for Overfeed of Fluoride). 3. The procedure for investigating the cause of an underfeed or overfeed will consist of checking the metering pumps to ascertain if they are working correctly. The supply lines and injection lines will be checked to make sure there is no obstruction, such as an air pocket, that may have caused an underfeed.An investigation would be conducted to determine if a power outage may have occurred that resulted in an underfeed or interruption. 4. A list of water system and DDW personnel, with day and evening telephone numbers is included in the City of Huntington Beach Water Quality Emergency Notification Plan. Also listed in the Plan is the telephone number for Orange County Healthcare Agency personnel at(714)433-6000. 5. The procedure for notifying the public, if instructed to do so by DDW, in the event of a fluoride underfeed extending for more than three months, or an overfeed exceeding 10.0 mg/L, is included on Page 2 of our Water Quality Emergency Notification Plan. Operator's Emergency Plan for Overfeed of Fluoride If any operator notices, or is notified of a fluoride overfeed which is defined as a fluoride level in excess of 2.0 mg/L, he is to respond to the site in question and STOP fluoridation until the problem is identified and corrected. The operator will notify the Water Production Supervisor whenever an overfeed situation occurs. Notification will be ASAP once fluoridation has been suspended. If the Supervisor is unavailable, notification will be to the Water Quality Supervisor, Water Quality Coordinator, Production Crewleader, etc. Notification will be via telephone, radio or Pagenet System. November 2018 9-5 ti co o) City of Huntington Beach Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan Fluoridation Plan Fluoridation Procedures Flow Chart Fluoride Level Control Range Low Optimal High 0.6 0.7 1.2 FLUORIDE SAMPLES All Fluoride samples cakcjgd,by City of HB staff �r MONTHLY SPLIT SAMPLE MONTHLY RAW SAMPLES Once a month, one sample Collected at all Wells, on Distribution system j,5 sat: Analyzed by HB staff. half analyzed by HB staff, half analyzed by certified lab. DAILY SAMPLES ANNUAL RAW SAMPLES Collected at all active Wells&MWD Sources, Collected at all Wells, gad 1 rotating Distribution System Sample, Analyzed by certified lab. Analyzed by HB staff. UNDERFEED: OVERFEED: ijackar L<0.6 mg/L: Overfeed: 1.3 mg/L: 7. Check metering pump. 9. Stop fluoridation 8. Check supply lines. 10.Identify problem. 9. Check power outage. 11.Correct problem. 10.Complete Fluoride Interruption report. 12.Notify Production Supervisor. 11.Notify DDW within 3 days if 2,Distribution 13_Check WQ in distribution system in samples in a month are<0.6 mg/L. affected area. 12.If suspension >90 days must notify 14.Flush system if needed. consumers, local health dept., dentists, 15.Notify DDW: pharmacists, &area physicians(usually a. JL 1.3 up to 10 mg/L notify system wide outage). DDW within 3 working days. b. J,_>10 mg/L notify DDW within 24 hours. 16.Complete Fluoride Interruption report. November 2018 9-6 CO rn ENCLOSURE-D: Sierra Laboratory Source Raw Fluoride Analysis Reports For Calendar Year 2025 3 a, 03 SIR ANAEYRI ICAI+ City of Huntington Beach-Utilities Project: Annual Raw Fluoride P.O.Box 190 Project Number: (none) Reported: Huntington Beach CA,926413 Project Manager: Jennifer Reyes 05/21/25 17:09 Conventional Chemistry Parameters by APHA/EPA Methods Sierra Analytical Labs, Inc Reporting Anatyte Result Limit Units Dilution Balch Prepared Analyzed Method Notes Well 1A(2505224-01)Water Sampled:05/14/25 09:17 Received:05/14/25 12:15 Fluoride 0.412 0.300 mgit_ 1 B5E1407 05/15/25 05/16/2513:30 EPA300.0 Well 5(2505224-02)Water Sampled:05/14/25 08:35 Received:05/14/25 12:15 Fluoride 0.655 0.300 mg/L 1 B5E1407 05/15/25 05/16/25 13:30 EPA 300.0 Well 6(2505224.03)Water Sampled:05/14/25 08:50 Received:05/14/25 12:15 Fluoride 0.499 0.300 mg/L 1 B5E1407 05/15/25 05/16/25 13:30 EPA 300.0 Well 9(2505224-04)Water Sampled:05/14/25 08:29 Received:05/14/25 12:15 Fluoride 0.509 0.300 mg/L 1 85E1407 05/15/25 05/16/25 13:30 EPA 300.0 Well 13(2505224-05)Water Sampled:05/14125 09:45 Received:05/14/25 12:15 Fluoride 0.457 0.300 mg/L 1 B5E1407 05/15/25 05/16/25 13:30 EPA300.0 The results in this report apply to the samples analyzed in accordance with the chain of custody document.This analytical report must be reproduced in its entirety. 26052 MERIT CIRCLE SUITE 104,LAGUNA HILLS,CALIFORNIA 92653 TELEPHONE:(949)348-9389 E-MAIL:SIERRALABS Q SIERRALABS.NET Page 2 of 4 as j o� s RA ANA EYR1ICCALL City of Huntington Beach-Utilities Project: Annual Raw Fluoride P.O.Box 190 Protect Number: (none] Reported: Huntington Beach CA,926418 Project Manager: Jennifer Reyes 05/21/25 17:13 Conventional Chemistry Parameters by APHA/EPA Methods Sierra Analytical Labs, Inc Reporting Anatyte Result Limit Units Dilution Batch Prepared Analyzed Method Notes Well 7(2505241-01)Water Sampled:05/15/25 10:23 Received:05/15125 11:58 Fluoride 0.514 0.300 mg/L 1 85E1407 05/15/25 05/16/25 13:30 EPA 300.0 The results in this report apply to the:samples analyzed in accordance with the chain of custody document.This analytical report must be reproduced In its entirety. 26052 MERIT CIRCLE SUITE 104,LAGUNA HILLS,CALIFORNIA 92653 TELEPHONE:(949)348-9389 E-MAIL:SIERRALABS Q SIERRALABS.NET Page 2 of 4 0, a, SIERRA ANALYTICAL City of Huntington Beach-Utilities Project: Annual Raw Fluoride P.O.Box 190 Project Number: [none] Reported: Huntington Beach CA,92648 Project Manager: Jennifer Reyes 05/29/25 11:48 Conventional Chemistry Parameters by APHA/EPA Methods Sierra Analytical Labs,Inc Reporting Analyte Result Limit Units Dilution Batch Prepared Analyzed Method Notes Well 4(2505329-01)Water Sampled:05/21/25 09:37 Received:05/21/25 11:39 Fluoride 0.669 0.300 mg/L 1 B5E2027 05/21/25 05/23/25 14:39 EPA 300.0 Well 10(2505329-02)Water Sampled:05/21/25 08:17 Received:05/21/25 11:39 Fluoride 0.579 0.300 mg/L 1 B5E2027 05/21/25 05/23/25 14:39 EPA 300.0 The results In this report apply to the samples analyzed in accordance with the chain of custody document.This analytical report must he reproduced in Its entirety. 26052 MERIT CIRCLE SUITE 104,LAGUNA HILLS,CALIFORNIA 92653 TELEPHONE:(949)348-9389 E-MAIL:SIERRALABS @ SIERRALABS.NET Page 2 of 4 N 01 01 SIERRA City of Huntington Beach-Utilities Project: Annual Raw Fluoride P.O.Box 190 Project Number: [none) Reported: Huntington Beach CA,92648 Project Manager: Jennifer Reyes 07/02/25 08:53 Conventional Chemistry Parameters by APHA/EPA Methods Sierra Analytical Labs,Inc Reporting Analyte Result Limit Units Dilution Batch Prepared Analyzed Method Notes Well 3(2506426-01)Water Sampled:06/26125 08:11 Received:06/26/25 10:24 Fluoride 0.682 0.300 mg/L 1 B5F2609 06/26/25 06/26/25 18:20 EPA 300.0 The results in this report apply to the samples analyzed in accordance with the chain of custody document.This analytical report must be reproduced in its entirety. 26052 MERIT CIRCLE SUITE 104,LAGUNA HILLS,CALIFORNIA 92653 TELEPHONE:(949)348-9389 E-MAIL:SIERRALASS Q SIERRALABS.NET Page 2 of 4 Citations From - DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY PERMIT WHEREAS: 4. In April 2C15, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Agency recommended that water systems practicing fluoridation adjust their fluoride content to 0. 7 mg/L, as opposed to the previous temperature-dependent optimal levels ranging from 0.7 mg/L to 1.2 mg/L. THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH IS HEREBY ISSUED THIS DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY PERMIT TO OPERATE THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH WATER SYSTEM. The City of Huntington Beach Water System (hereinafter, City) shall comply with the following permit conditions: Safe Drinking Water Act 1. The City shall comply with all the requirements set forth in the California Safe Drinking Water Act, California Health and Safety Code, and any regulations, standards or orders adopted thereunder. Permit Amendment No changes, additions, or modifications shall be made to the sources or treatment processes outlined in Conditions 2 through 3 unless an amended water permit has first been obtained from the Division. Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance 5. The treatment facilities specified above shall be operated in accordance with a Division-approved Operations Plans. 6. The City shall adjust fluoride levels at all fluoridation facilities to achieve an optimal fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L in each fluoridation facility effluent. 7. All treatment facilities shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specification Any change in the source of water for the water system, any modification of the method of treatment as described in the Permit Report, or any addition of distribution system storage reser✓oirs shall not be made unless an application for such change is submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board - Division of Drinking Water. 1993 CA Health and Safety Code - HSC DIVISION 104. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH [106500 - 119406] PART 12. DRINKING WATER [116270 - 117130] CHAPTER 4. California Safe Drinking Water Act [116270 - 116755] ARTICLE 3.5. Fluoridation of Drinking Water [116409 - 116415] SECTION 116409-116415 116409. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) Promotion of the public health of Californians of all ages by protection and maintenance of dental health through the fluoridation of drinking water is a paramount issue of statewide concern. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to preempt local government regulations, ordinances, and initiatives that prohibit or restrict the fluoridation of drinking water by public water systems with 10,000 or more service connections, without regard to whether the public water system might otherwise be exempt from Section 116410 or the requirements of this section, pursuant to Section 116415. (c) It is further the intent of the Legislature in establishing this article to decrease the burden the Medi-Cal and the Denti-Cal programs place upon the state's limited funds. 116410. (a) Each public water system with at least 10,000 service connections and with a natural level of fluorides that is less than the minimum established in the regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall he fluoridated in order to promote the public health of Californians of all ages through the protection and maintenance of dental health, a paramount issue of statewide concern. The department shall adopt regulations pursuant to Chapter 3.5 1994 (commencing with Section 11340) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, requiring the fluoridation of public water systems. By July 1, 1996, and at 10-year intervals thereafter, each public water system with at least 10,000 service connections shall provide to the department an estimate of the total capital costs to install fluoridation treatment. The regulations adopted by the department shall take effect on January 1 , 1997. Capital costs estimates are no longer required after installation of the fluoridation treatment equipment. (b) The regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Minimum and maximum permissible concentrations of fluoride to be maintained by fluoridation of public water systems. (2) The requirements and procedures for maintaining proper concentrations of fluoride, including equipment, testing, recordkeeping, and reporting. (3) Requirements for the addition of fluorides to public water systems in which the natural level of fluorides is less than the minimum level established in the regulations. (4) A schedule for the fluoridation of public water systems with at least 10,000 service connections, based on the lowest capital cost per connection for each system. (c) The purpose of the schedule established pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) is not to mandate the order in which public water systems receiving funding from private sources must fluoridate their water. Available funds may be offered to any system on the schedule. 1995 (d) The estimates provided to the department pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section and subdivision (g) of Section 116415 of the total capital and associated costs and noncapital operation and maintenance costs related to fluoridation treatments and the similar estimates provided to those sources offering to provide the funds set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 116415 shall be reasonable, as determined by the department. A registered civil engineer recognized or employed by the department who is familiar with the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of fluoridations systems shall determine for the department whether the costs are reasonable. (e)As used in this section and Section 116415, "costs" means only those costs that require an actual expenditure of funds or resources, and do not include costs that are intangible or speculative, including, but not limited to, opportunity or indemnification costs. (f)Any public water system with multiple water sources, when funding is not received to fluoridate all sources, is exempt from maintaining otherwise required fluoridations levels in areas receiving any nonfluoridated water. The exemption shall be in effect only until the public water system receives funding to fluoridate the entire water system and the treatment facilities are installed and operational. 116415. (a) (1)A public water system is not required to fluoridate pursuant to Section 116410, or the regulations adopted thereunder by the department, in any of the following situations: (A) If the public water system is listed on the schedule to 1996 implement a luoridation program pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 116410 and funds are not offered pursuant to a binding contractual offer to the public water system sufficient to pay the capital and associated costs from any outside source. As used in this section, "outside source" means a source other than the system's ratepayers, shareholders, local taxpayers, bondholders, or any fees or charges levied by the water system. (B) If the public water system has been offered pursuant to a binding contractual offer the capital and associated funds necessary for fluoridation as set forth in subparagraph (A) and has completed the installation of a fluoridation system, however, in any given fiscal year (July 1-June 30, inclusive) funding is not available to the public wa:er system sufficient to pay the noncapital operation and maintenance costs described in subdivision (g) from any outside source other :han the system's ratepayers, shareholders, local taxpayers, bondholders, or any fees or charges levied by the water system. A binding contractual offer to provide funds for 12 months, without regard to fiscal year, of noncapital operation and maintenance costs shall render a water system unqualified for an exemption under this subparagraph for that year. (C) If the funding provided by an outside source for capital and associated ccsts is depleted prior to completion of the installation of a fluoridation system and funds sufficient to complete the installation have not been offered pursuant to a binding contractual offer to the public water system by an outside source. In the event of a disagreement between the public water system and an outside funding source about the reasonableness of additional capital and 1997 associated costs, in order to qualify for an exemption under this subparagraph the costs overruns must be found to be reasonable by a registered civil engineer recognized or employed by the department who is familiar with the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of fluoridation systems. (2) Each year the department shall prepare and distribute a list of those water systems that do not qualify for exemption under this section from the fluoridation requirements of Section 116410. This list shall include water systems that have been offered, have received, or are expected to receive, sufficient funding for capital and associated costs so as to not qualify for exemption under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), and have either (A) been offered or have received, or anticipate receiving, sufficient noncapital maintenance and operation funding pursuant to subdivision (g), or (B) have not yet completed the installation of a fluoridation system, so that they do not qualify for exemption under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1). (3) Any water system that has been offered pursuant to a binding contractual offer the funds necessary for fluoridation as set forth in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), and is not included in the list pursuant to paragraph (2), may elect to exercise the option not to fluoridate during the following fiscal year pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) by so notifying the department by certified mail on or before .,une 1. (4) The permit issued by the department for a public water system that is schedL led to implement fluoridation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 116410 shall specify whether it is 1998 required to fluoridate pursuant to Section 116410, or whether it has been granted an exemption pursuant to either subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1). (b) The department shall enforce Section 116410 and this section, and all regulations adopted pursuant to these sections, unless delegated pursuant to a local primary agreement. (c) If the owner or operator of any public water system subject to Section 116410 fails, or refuses, to comply with any regulations adopted pursuant to Section 116410, or any order of the department implementing these regulations, the Attorney General shall, upon the request of the department, institute mandamus proceedings, or other appropriate proceedings, in order to compel compliance with the order, rule, or regulation. This remedy shall be in addition to all other authori2:ed remedies or sanctions. (d) Neither this section nor Section 116410 shall supersede subdivision (b) of Section 116410. (e) The department shall seek all sources of funding for enforcement of the standards and capital cost requirements established pursuant to this section and Section 116410, including, but not limited to, all of the following: (1) Federal block grants. (2) Donations from private foundations. Expenditures from governmental sources shall be subject to specific appropriation by the Legislature for these purposes. (f)A public water system with less than 10,000 service connections may elect to comply with the standards, compliance requirements, and regulations for fluoridation established pursuant 1999 to this section and Section 116410. (g) Costs, other than capital costs, incurred in complying with this section and Section 116410, including regulations adopted pursuant to those sections, may be paid from federal grants, or donations from private foundations, for these purposes. Each public water system that will incur costs, other than capitalization costs, as a result of compliance with this section and Section 116410, shall provide an estimate to the department of the anticipated total annual operations and maintenance costs related to fluoridation treatment by January 1 of each year. (h) A public water system subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission shall be entitled to recover from its customers all of its capital and associated costs, and all of its operation and maintenance expenses associated with compliance with this section aid Section 116410. 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Chi N cn do.. km () • mmi 14•11°. tn CD ..., ...,, a From: H Mever5 To: 5uDplementaicommf surfcity-hb.org Subject: Agenda Item#25-Drinking Water Fluoridation Request for City Council Direction Regarding an Operating Permit Amendment from the California State Water Resources Control Board to Discontinue Supplemental Fluoridation of the City"s Drinking Water Supply Date: Sunday,May 3,2026 3:55:42 PM I have lived in Huntington Beach for 30 years. Please support the continued fluoridation of our city's water.Water fluoridation has lowered the rate of tooth decay in the U.S.,it has been proven to be safe,effective and cost-saving for preventing tooth decay.Especially since many people do not have regular access to dental care,water fluoridation is an important benefit to society.It is supported by the American Public Health Association,the American Dental Association,and the American Academy of Pediatrics,among others. Water fluoridation has been widely studied over many years and is considered one of the most important and effective public health measures instituted in this country. Please support continued fluoridation of our water. Hildy Meyers Huntington Beach SUPPLEMEINTAL COMMUNICATION - Meeting Date: 5/5/2026 Item No. 25 (26-335) From: Kaci Christian To: 5uoolementalcommCo�surfcity-hb.orq Subject: Stop adding fluoride to the water Date: Sunday,May 3,2026 8:27:07 PM You don't often get email from kacichristian@yahoo.com.Learn why this is imoortant Dear Members of the City Council and Public Health Officials, I am writing to urge the city of Huntington Beach to immediately discontinue adding fluoride to the municipal water supply. Health and safety concerns Municipal floridation delivers a "one size fits all" dose to a diverse population, including infants, pregnant people, the elderly and individuals with kidney disease who may be more vulnerable to fluoride's harmful effects. Evidence of harm at high or chronic exposures, such as dental fluorosis and potential endocrine or neurological effects reported in some studies, raises, reasonable concern about continuing population-wide dosing dosing without local safety assurances. Lack of informed consent Forcing chemicals or medication through drinking water, removes individual choice and informed consent. Residence should be allowed to decide whether they want fluoride exposure, rather than having it mandated by default. Questionable benefit in today's context Most cavity prevention in current times comes from topical fluoride in toothpaste and professional dental application. The incremental benefit of systemic fluoridation for modern communities with wide access to dental care is limited and does not justify population-wide exposure. Cumulative exposure and vulnerable subpopulations Fluoride exposure from multiple sources, such as toothpaste, processed foods and beverages containing fluoridated water, can lead to cumulative intake that is difficult for individuals 1:o manage, increasing the risk of over exposure— especially for young children Environmental and downstream concerns Fluoride in wastewater and bio solids can accumulate in the environment and aquatic ecosystems The City should not assume there are no ecological impacts of fluoridating city water. Precautionary approach and alternatives Given the concerns described above, I urge the City to halt fluoridation and adopt targeted, evidence-based alternatives such as City-funded school- and clinical-based topical fluoride programs; expanded access to preventive dental services for low-income families; and public education on oral hygiene, and the use of fluoridated toothpaste. Requested actions Immediately suspend fluoridation, pending a comprehensive, transparent study of local health data and an independent risk assessment. Hold a public, expert-led forum to review current science, local water fluoride monitoring data and the relative benefits of targeted dental examinations or interventions. Provide clear, up-to-date information to residents about available fluoride sources, risks to vulnerable groups and safe alternatives. Conclusion From an abundance of caution and respect for public health, individual choice and environmenlal protection, please stop adding fluoride to Huntington Beach's water supply until independent, local and transparent analysis provides concrete proof that fluoridating the water supply is safe, necessary and beneficial for our community. Thank you for your consideration. Kaci Christian Huntington Beach CA 92648 From: Zokaie.Tooka To: suoolementalcommAsurfcity-hb.orq Cc: Nour,Noha; Hanlon,Robert Subject: Item 25:Letter for City Council Date: Monday,May 4,2026 11:26:35 AM Attachments: CDA HuntingtonBeachCitvCouncil Item25.Ddf You don't often get email from tooka.zokaie@cda.org.i earn why this is important Hello Huntington Beach City Council, Please see the attached letter from California Dental Association President and Orange County Dental Society President regarding Item 25 of the May 5th City Council Meeting. Many thanks, Tooka -.1ie,her,hers) Si Health Policy Analy: :;lifornia Dental Associat!. CDA I CDA Foundation TDIC I TDIC Insurance Solut,. 1201 K Street. 15th Floor, Sacramento. CA 95814 916 554.5312 1916.335.2667 Tooka.Zokaie@cda.orq! cda.org 7 ORANGE COUNTY D E . T . L = _ (_ I E May 4,2026 Casey McKeon, Mayor Butch Twining, Mayor Pro Tern Pat Burns,Councilman Andrew Gruel,Councilman Don Kennedy,Councilman Gracey Van Der Mark,Council Woman Chad Williams,Councilman Submitted electronically Dear Mayor McKeon and members of the Huntington Beach City Council, On behalf of the Orange County Dental Association(OCDS)representing over 2,500 local member dentists and California Dental Association(CDA),representing 27,000 member dentists throughout the state,we are writing to urge you to continue the commitment to community water fluoridation(CWF)for residents of Huntington Beach. CWF remains one of the most effective and equitable public health measures available for preventing tooth decay across all ages. Its benefits are especially important for young children,older adults,and individuals with limited access to dental care.Studies show that CWF saves an average of$32 per person annually in avoided dental treatment costs.The cost to maintain fluoridation in your system,less than$1 per resident per year,is nominal,particularly when compared to the long-term costs of untreated dental disease. Assembly Bill 733(Speier, 1995),also known as the California Safe Drinking Water Act,mandates that public water systems with 10,000 or more service connections fluoridate their water so long as funding is available.The cost burden on individual households is negligible,yet the loss of this proven preventive health intervention would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and widen health disparities. As numerous public health authorities,including the CDC,California Department of Public Health,and former U.S.Surgeon General, have repeatedly affirmed,community water fluoridation remains one of the safest,most cost-effective,and equitable methods for preventing dental disease. The agenda item for the May 5th meeting,posted publicly on May 1st,only realistically allowed 2 business days for community members to review the proposal,offer comments,and make arrangements to attend the council meeting.CDA urges this agenda item to be informational only to allow the community sufficient time to share their sentiments before the next city council meeting.While we ultimately strongly advocate for maintaining this disease prevention program,the short notice of the agendized item will lack appropriate community input to allow the council to make an informed decision. A best practice for considering a community water fluoridation rollback is 90 days to allow community members to consider this significant proposal to their health. 916.443.0505 California Dental Association 800.232.7645 1201 K Street, 14th Floor 916 443 2943 fax Sacramento, CA 95814 cda.org Given the very low cost and broad health impact,we believe it is entirely appropriate and fiscally responsible to continue supporting this service through existing funding systems. Maintaining CWF ensures continued protection for thousands of residents and helps avoid higher dental treatment costs down the line,including visits to the emergency department,which increase in communities that rollback community water fluoridation. We urge the city council to uphold this small but powerful investment in community health.Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the well-being of the communities you serve. Sincerely, Robert Hanlon,DMD CDA President IA- Dui ODS Noha Nour, DDS OCDS President From: Russinof,Hollis To: suoolementalcomm(oisurfcity-hb.orq Cc: clerk(a surfcitvnc.aov;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: American Academy of Pediatrics Support for Community Water Fluoridation Date: Monday,May 4,2026 1:29:08 PM Attachments: 2026 Community Water Fluoridation Su000rt Letter HB,CA 5.4.26.odf Some people who received this message don't often get email from hrussinof@aap.org.l earn why this is important Good Afternoon, Mayor McKeon& Council Members I am contacting you at the request of local health professionals regarding your upcoming consideration of community water fluoridation in Huntington Beach, California in advance of tomorrow's City Council and Public Financing Authority meeting where the proposed removal of fluoridation is on the agenda. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports community water fluoridation as a cost- effective means of preventing tooth decay throughout the lifespan and joins with other major medical and health organizations in advocating for this common-sense public health policy. Many people don't realize that tooth decay, although preventable, is the most common chronic childhood disease, 5 times more common than asthma. All too often, it leads to countless hours out of school and work, needless pain and suffering, and costly visits to the emergency room. We support community water fluoridation because it is backed by a solid base of scientific evidence and over 75 years of practice and because it is safe and effective. Attached you will find our letter of support. We invite you to visit our website, 11.ikeMyTeeth.org, for additional information. Respectfully submitted Hollis Russinof, MUPP American Academy of Pediatrics Campaign for Dental Health Section on Oral Health 345 Park Boulevard Itasca, Illinois 60143 630/626-6483 Pronouns: she/her/hers (\4'h*?) My regular days at the Academy are Monday through Thursday. American Academy of Pediatrics ,7 %' .. DEDICATED TO THE HEALTH OF ALL CHILDREN® e May 4,2026 Mayor Casey McKeon Sr City Council Members Huntington Beach,CA 345 Park Blvd Via email Itasca,IL 60143 Phone:630/626-6000 Fax:847/434-800o Dear Mayor McKeon and City Council Members, www.aap.org On behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP),a non-profit professional organization of 67,00o primary care pediatricians,pediatric medical sub-specialists,and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health,safety,and well-being of infants,children,adolescents,and young adults,I Executive Committee write to support the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(AAPD),the President American Dental Association(ADA),and Healthy People zolo in stating that community water Andrew D.Racine,MD,PhD,FAAP fluoridation is safe,effective,and prevents unnecessary dental disease,a costly and painful condition. President-Fled The AAP is particularly concerned with the high rates of early childhood caries(tooth decay)in the Terri D.McFadden,MD,MPH,FAAP United States and the detrimental effects this disease can have on children.Dental caries,although Immediate Past President largely preventable,is the most common chronic childhood disease,five times more common than Susan).Kressly,MD,FAAP asthma.Dental caries can lead to severe health problems,including serious infection,debilitating pain, secretary/Treasurer dietary and speech problems,and in rare cases,even death. Joelle N.Simpson,MD,FAAP CEO/Executive Vice President The AAP supports community water fluoridation to help protect children's teeth.Regular and frequent Mark Del Monte,JD exposure to small amounts of fluoride is the best way to protect the teeth against caries.This exposure can be readily accomplished through drinking water that has been optimally fluoridated and brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily.'Community-based water fluoridation intervention optimizes the Board of Directors level of fluoride in drinking water,resulting in pre-eruptive and post-eruptive protection of the teeth. Districti The delivery of fluoride includes community-based,professionally applied,and self-administered Patricia Flanagan,MD,FAAP modalities. District II Jeffrey Kaczorowski,MD,FAAP Water fluoridation is a cost-effective means of preventing dental caries,with the lifetime cost per District III person equaling less than the cost of one dental restoration.In short,fluoridated water is the cheapest Lenore R.Jarvis,MD,MEd,FAAP and most effective way to deliver anti-caries benefits to communities.'Water fluoridation is effective and inexpensive,does not require daily adherence,and benefits everyone regardless of socioeconomic District IV status.' Patricia Purcell,MD,MBA,FAAP DistrictV The AAP continues its mission to ensure the health and well-being of all children,and,to this end, Christopher B.Peltier,MD,FAAP supports local and state efforts for children to have access to safe,optimally fluoridated water.Ifyou District VI require additional information,please contact Gina Crosley-Corcoran,MPH at Claudia Preuschoff,MD,FAAP gcrosleycorcoranpaap org. District VII Susan Buttross,MD,FAAP Sincerely, District VIII Greg Blaschke,MD,MPH,FAAP ./////%%L/ ✓`a District IX Eric H.Ball,MD,FAAP Andrew D.Racine,MD,PhD DistrictX President Madeline M.Joseph,MD,FAAP At Large Angela M.Ellison,MD,MSc,FAAP Cc: Lauren Barone,MPH Atlarge Hollis Russinof,MUPP Kristina W.Rosbe,MD,FAAP 3 Bright Futures Guidelines for the Health Supervision of Infants,Children,and Adolescents,4th Edition.2017. At Large 2 Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting.Pediatrics.Pediatrics December 2020,146(6). Joelle N.Simpson,MD,FAAP 3 Early Childhood Caries in Indigenous Communities.Pediatrics.June 2021,147(6). From: Ha Lee To: Suoolementalcomm ansurfcity-hb.orq Subject: Fluoridation in water supply Date: Monday,May 4,2026 2:00:40 PM You don't often get email from haleedds@gmail.com.l earn why this is important To the Huntington Beach City Council: Subject: Support for Continued Fluoridation of Huntington Beach Drinking Water Dear Members of the City Council, As a resident of Huntington Beach, I am writing to express my strong support for maintaining the fluoridation of Huntington Beach's public water supply. Removing fluoride from our city's drinking water would be a detriment to the health and well-being of our residents. Decades of scientific research and public health data have consistently demonstrated that water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and equitable way to prevent tooth decay and promote overall community health. 1.Dental Health Benefits: Fluoride in drinking water has been shown to significantly reduce the prevalence of tooth decay in both children and adults. Communities that maintain fluoridated water experience lower rates of cavities, fillings, and dental-related pain. By removing fluoride,we risk an increase in preventable dental problems, which can disproportionately affect children and seniors. 2. Public Health Equity: Water fluoridation is a proven public health measure that benefits all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It provides protection to those who may have limited access to regular dental care or preventive treatments.Eliminating fluoride would increase health disparities within our community, leaving vulnerable populations at higher risk for dental disease. 3. Economic Benefits: Preventing tooth decay reduces the burden of costly dental treatments for families and the city's healthcare system. Studies show that every dollar invested in water fluoridation saves multiple dollars in avoided dental care costs. Removing fluoride could result in higher public and private expenses for dental treatments over time. 4. Safety and Endorsement by Health Authorities: Fluoridation of drinking water at recommended levels is endorsed by the American Dental Association,the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. Extensive studies confirm that it is safe and effective when properly monitored. The continued use of fluoride aligns Huntington Beach with best practices in public health. In conclusion, removing fluoride from Huntington Beach's water supply would undermine decades of progress in oral health, disproportionately affect vulnerable residents, and increase healthcare costs. Maintaining fluoridation is a proven,cost-effective, and equitable public health measure that continues to benefit our entire community. I urge the City Council to prioritize the health of our residents by keeping fluoride in our water.Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, Ha Lee From: Chad Mayes To: 5uoolementalcommCo surfcitv-hb.orq Cc: )<velvne Vutien;Natalie Vander Kam Subject: Public Comment—May 5 Agenda Item(Water Fluoridation) Date: Monday,May 4,2026 2:43:23 PM Attachments: CSPD HB Fluoride Letter.pdf You don't often get email from chad.mayes@genesi.11c.I earn why this is important Dear City Clerk, Please see the attached letter from the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry regarding the May 5 City Council agenda item related to community water fluoridation. We respectfully request that this letter be included in the official record for this item and shared with the Mayor and Members of the City Council in advance of their consideration. Please let me know if anything further is needed to ensure timely distribution. Thank you for your assistance. Chad Mayes Managing Partner I Genesi LLC Phone: +1 760 413-9048 I www.genesi.11c CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY California State Chapter American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry V11141 0 May 4, 2026 Mayor McKeon and Members of the City Council City of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 RE: Community Water Fluoridation Dear Mayor McKeon and Members of the City Council, On behalf of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, I am writing regarding your May 5 agenda item related to a potential amendment to discontinue supplemental water fluoridation. Our members are pediatric dental specialists who care for children across California, including many in Orange County, and serve the most vulnerable children. Some of these children have special needs, suffer from extensive dental disease affecting their heart, and are on organ transplant and heart surgery wail lists. The majority are cared for under Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal services, and they come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. We see every day what prevention looks like when it is working to prevent or mitigate the extent of this disease, and we experience firsthand the suffering of our patients who do not benefit from preventive treatments such as water fluoridation. Community water fluoridation is one of the top ten national historic public health measures that consistently reaches every child. It does not depend on insurance, transportation, or whether a family can get a dental appointment. It simply works in the background, quietly reducing the risk of tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized community water fluoridation as one of the top ten public health achievements of the twentieth century. That designation reflects decades of evidence and real-world outcomes. Even today, fluoridation reduces tooth decay by roughly twenty- five percent in children and adults. When it was first introduced, the reductions were even greater. Just as important is who benefits. Fluoridation reaches all residents equally, regardless of income or education. For many of the families we serve, especially those facing barriers to care, it is the only consistent form of prevention their children receive. We understand the City is evaluating this issue, in part, through a fiscal lens, including approximately $160,000 in annual operating costs and potential future capital investments. Those are valid considerations. At the same time, it is important to recognize that the costs of untreated dental California Society of Pediatric Dentistry 808 R Street, Suite 209 Sacramento,CA 95811 Tel: (916)231-2131 www.CSPD.org disease are not reflected in that calculation. Every $1 invested in water fluoridation yields roughly $20 to $50 in dental treatment savings. Thus, a$160,000 investment would result in a $3,200,000 to $8,000,0000 savings in health care costs. When prevention is reduced,the system absorbs those costs elsewhere. We see more cavities, more infections, more emergency room visits, and more children needing procedures that could have been avoided. For families,that means missed school, missed work, and real financial strain. For young children, it can mean more invasive treatment at a very early age. We also note that while naturally occurring fluoride remains in the water supply, it is not at levels shown to provide optimal protection against tooth decay. The purpose of community water fluoridation is to bring those levels to a point where meaningful prevention occurs. From our perspective,this decision is not simply about a permit amendment or an operational change. It is a decision about whether to continue a proven, community-wide prevention strategy that benefits thousands of children and families. We would respectfully urge the Council to maintain community water fluoridation and, at a minimum, ensure that there is sufficient time for meaningful public input before any final decision is made. CSPD and our members would be happy to serve as a resource if additional clinical perspective would be helpful. Thank you for your time and for your continued commitment to the health of your community. CSPD and our members would be happy to serve as a resource if additional clinical or public health perspective would be helpful. Sincerely, {�(,.(.. . Na alie Vander Kam, D.D.S. President, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry 44. Evelyne Vu-Tien, D.D.S. Public Policy Advocate, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry California Society of Pediatric Dentistry PO Box 5081, La Quinta,CA 92248 Tel: (916)231-2142 www.CSPD.org From: drvnersonearthlink.net To: 5uoolementalcommCalsurfcity-hb.orp Subject: Item 26-335 Date: Monday,May 4,2026 2:56:16 PM Once again it appears that the city council is pursuing a personal political agenda, rather than running the city for the benefit of its citizenry. A case in point is the proposal to cease supplementing the fluoride in the municipal water supply. The stated reason is to save money, but in reality, this is not a cost savings, it's a cost shift. There is a long and well-documented history of the benefits of the appropriate level of fluoride in municipal water supplies. It is safe and it improves the dental health of all residents. So, instead of honoring the data and continuing supplementing fluoride in our water, the council is proposing to shift that responsibility onto individual citizens. Here is a quote from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services after their state legislature voted to ban adding fluoride to municipal water supplies: "We recognize the benefits of fluoride to overall health. While community water fluoridation will no longer be available, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cavities. The law now allows pharmacists to prescribe fluoride, in addition to dentists and doctors. We encourage Utahns to have regular checkups with a dentist or healthcare provider to make sure they are doing everything they can to protect their oral health," said Dr. Stacey Swilling, state dental director at DHHS. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps protect your teeth and bones. The amount of fluoride that is found naturally in water is different for each community. Most people in Utah live in an area where there isn't enough natural fluoride in the water to protect their teeth. That's why it is important to talk to a dentist, doctor, or pharmacist about how to best protect your teeth. You may need a fluoride supplement (pill or drops), varnish, toothpaste, or mouth rinse. So health professionals are telling us that we need supplemental fluoride for dental health, and eliminating it from the municipal water supply puts the responsibility onto each individual citizen to figure out how to obtain that treatment for themselves and their families and how to pay for it from their own pocket. This will disproportionately impact those who have less resources and less access to dental health practitioners. This also flies in the face of the public advisory vote that was taken years ago wherein the citizenry voted that they wanted the city to add supplemental fluoride to the water system. So, as is typical of this city council, it is acting to force its personal political beliefs on all the citizens, and making us pay for the resulting damage, whether it be in health outcomes, legal fees and penalties, or the humiliation of having our city become the laughingstock of the world. David Rynerson From: David Thorpe To: 5uoolementalcommCalsurfcity-hb.orq Cc: jnfoCalocwd.conl;jnstitutional(ablackrock.com Subject: Comment on 5/5/2026 Huntington Beach,CA City Council Agenda Item#25-Request for City Council Direction Regarding an Operating Permit Amendment from the California State Water Resources Control Board to Discontinue Supplemental Fluoridation of the Ci... Date: Monday,May 4,2026 3:03:37 PM You don't often get email from anacapafundllc@gmail.com. I earn why this is important Council Members, My name is David, and my family and I have been Huntington Beach residents and property owners for more than forty years. My comments are not about the substance of fluoridation, but about the governance and regional-coordination implications of the proposed change. My concern is the potential impact of moving Huntington Beach out of alignment with the Orange County Water District and the State Water Resources Control Board. Our drinking water system is part of a regional infrastructure network. Any unilateral change that requires a permit amendment or creates divergence from OCWD introduces regulatory uncertainty. That uncertainty can lead to administrative challenges, legal disputes, or delays in future approvals. Huntington Beach receives its drinking water through a regional alliance supported by long-term water-infrastructure bonds. These bonds depend on predictable operations and cooperative governance among regional agencies.Actions that create misalignment risk undermining the value and stability of the very system the City relies on. As a long-term homeowner, I am especially mindful that property values in Huntington Beach are closely tied to perceptions of stable governance, predictable infrastructure management, and cooperative relationships with regional agencies. Even when the underlying issue is narrow, actions that signal conflict or fragmentation in essential services can have broader economic effects. While I understand the interest in identifying one-time operating savings, altering a State-issued drinking-water permit is not the appropriate mechanism for achieving short-term budget adjustments. If the community wishes to revisit fluoridation policy,the appropriate path is a transparent public process where residents can evaluate the issue and decide it directly. I respectfully ask the Council to consider the long-term governance, coordination, and stability implications of this decision, and to prioritize outcomes that protect residents and property owners. Thank you for your time and consideration. David Huntington Beach Resident&Property Owner From: Rod Kurth' To: 5uoolementalcommCa�surfcity-hb.orq;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Cc: 5robers-ocds.org(asharedl.ccsend.com;foundation@ ocds.orq;Van Der Mark.Gracev;Twinina.Butch;Burns, Pat;McKeon.Casey;Strickland.Tony;Gruel.Andrew;Kalmick.Dan;Dames.Lisa Lane Subject: Water fluoridation Date: Monday,May 4,2026 3:44:18 PM Attachments: ;mage001.onq Huntington Beach Water Fluoridation concern.doc Importance: High Some people who received this message don't often get email from rkurthy@korwhitening.com. To the Huntington Beach City Council: I have been a dentist for the past 48 years and dental research & development scientist for the past 50 years. Many of those years were spent in my dental practice in Huntington Beach near Five Points Plaza. I am internationally known in dentistry, as a quick internet search for Dr. Rod Kurthy will bear out. Nobody takes the oral health and protection of the people we serve more seriously than I do. You've seen the letter from the Orange County Dental Society, signed by many, many local dentists. And maybe you have thought that these dentists signed the letter just to "protect their turf." That the letter advocating water fluoridation is self-serving. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the simplest of terms, dentistry is a business, as is any professional practice or firm. I am proud of the dental profession, because unlike most businesses, we actively try to put ourselves out of business. We do this because of how sacred we hold the oath we take to protect those who put their welfare, and that of their families, in our hands. That is an awesome responsibility. The best financial thing that could ever happen to dental practice "businesses" in Huntington Beach would be to have you discontinue fluoridation of the water supply. That single thing could double the income to our practices in a very short few years. Having no water fluoridation would mean not only far more cavities, very frequently in children, but those cavities would spread far faster and deeper, leading to more costly procedures — more money for us. A LOT more money. No fluoridation would mean a far higher rate of cavities forming around existing fillings and crowns. That leads to the most expensive type of dentistry, namely crowns, root canals and even removal of teeth, which, in turn, means bridges, implants, etc. Financially, your discontinuation of water fluoridation means "Fat City" for us dentists. By advocating for fluoridation, we are essentially acting against our own financial interests to do what is right. We are asking you to do the same—to prioritize the long-term health of your constituents over the immediate budget line items. I have been a dental scientist for the past 50 years, but realize that dentistry is full of scientists. And to a degree, every dentist is a scientist. Who knows more about the science of water fluoridation than dentists and dental scientists? Do you think for a moment that we are only concerned about the welfare of our patients' mouths? No. We are concerned about the patient as a whole person. If fluoridation was found by credible sources to be harmful in any way, we would be the first to know. And the first to object to fluoridation. And as a dental scientist for 50 years, I sure as heck would know about any credible evidence of fluoridation being harmful in any way. I grew up in the 50's and 60's with no water fluoridation. When I went to the dentist, who was a general dentist (not a pediatric dentist), the reception room was always full of other kids like myself. I never wondered if my dentist would find a cavity. I just wondered HOW MANY cavities he'd find. When I started practicing dentistry in 1978 in communities without fluoridation, I found rampant tooth decay across the entire spectrum of the communities I served. But when I returned to Southern California, where I'd grown up, and started practicing in Huntington Beach where the water supply had been fluoridated since the early 70's, I rarely found cavities in children. I was amazed. "Wow!" I thought. "Fluoridation really does work as well as they say." And my own children, one age 40 and the other age 43, have never had a cavity. That's not because as a dentist father I have the ability to provide a protective force field around them to prevent tooth decay. It's because of the fluoridation. And my kids are mentally as sharp as whips and as healthy as can be. So please — follow our lead. We dentists take a monumental financial hit by advocating for fluoridation. The least you could do is to take the time to think about what is really important to the Huntington Beach City Council. Is it your budget? Or is it the health and welfare of every child and adult living in Huntington Beach, including your own families? If you at all find this concerning, you may wonder how, exactly, fluoridation works to reduce and prevent tooth decay. I think you may find this compelling. As a scientist, I always look at the science: What causes Cavities? The answer is ACID. When we eat or drink anything with even a trace of sugar, the bacteria on our teeth just love to eat that sugar. And after eating the sugar, those bacteria give off a waste product from the sugar: Lactic Acid. That acid eats away at the tooth structure, right next to those bacteria. Bacteria hide between our teeth and in the deep grooves of our teeth. That's why between teeth and in deep grooves is where cavities typically occur. So, ACID is the enemy. You've heard of pH. A pH of 7 is neutral. It's not acidic and it's not alkaline. But once your saliva next to the bacteria goes down to an acidic pH of 5.5 because of the lactic acid, it will start eating away tooth enamel. I'm talking about regular, NON-fluoridated, tooth enamel. But what if those teeth had fluoride attached to the enamel molecules throughout the tooth structure? When talking about teeth that have fluoride in them, that acid must be TEN TIMES STRONGER (pH 4.5) before it can start eating away tooth structure. Let me say that again... To cause a cavity in a tooth that is fluoridated requires the acid to be TEN TIMES STRONGER. The same acid that would quickly cause a cavity in a NON-fluoridated tooth will not cause damage to the fluoridated tooth. But what about fluoride in toothpaste and fluoride treatments at the dentist? We call that "topical fluoride". That gets fluoride only on the very surface of the tooth enamel. And yes, that's good. But that only gets into the tooth to the depth of about 1/7th the thickness of one sheet of copy paper. Or 1/4th the thickness of one human hair. It's virtually a microscopic thickness of outer tooth surface that becomes fluoridated. The other 99.99% of tooth structure under the surface is still NON-fluoridated. So topical fluoride alone, without fluoride in drinking water, is of relatively little benefit. But fluoridated drinking water results in teeth being fully fluoridated, through and through. Teeth that are truly protected for a lifetime. If you've made it to the bottom of this message, thank you for making the effort and learning about our concerns. Very best regards, S4. ifi€ o Dr. Rodger "Rod" Kurthy Founder/Owner/Chairman KoR Whitening Technologies Home of the KOR Whitening System 5 Vanderbilt Irvine, California 92618 USA Email: RKuifhy@KoRwhitening.com Cellular: (949) 636-7055 www.KORwhitening.ccoo tl IKOR Whitening STUNNINGLY WHITER TEETH- IK • RI An Evolve Dental Technologies, Inc. Brand Whitening ,:vNGLY WHITER TEETH" May 4, 2026 RE: Water Fluoridation To the Huntington Beach City Council: I have been a dentist for the past 48 years and dental research & development scientist for the past 50 years. Many of those years were spent in my dental practice in Huntington Beach near Five Points Plaza. I am internationally known in dentistry, as a quick internet search for Dr. Rod Kurthy will bear out. Nobody takes the oral health and protection of the people we serve more seriously than I do. You've seen the letter from the Orange County Dental Society, signed by many, many local dentists. And maybe you have thought that these dentists signed the letter just to "protect their turf." That the letter advocating water fluoridation is self-serving. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the simplest of terms, dentistry is a business, as is any professional practice or firm. I am proud of the dental profession, because unlike most businesses, we actively try to put ourselves out of business. We do this because of how sacred we hold the oath we take to protect those who put their welfare, and that of their families, in our hands. That is an awesome responsibility. The best financial thing that could ever happen to dental practice "businesses" in Huntington Beach would be to have you discontinue fluoridation of the water supply. That single thing could double the income to our practices in a very short few years. Having no water fluoridation would mean not only far more cavities, very frequently in children, but those cavities would spread far faster and deeper, leading to more costly procedures — more money for us. A LOT more money. No fluoridation would mean a far higher rate of cavities forming around existing fillings and crowns. That leads to the most expensive type of dentistry, namely crowns, root canals and even removal of teeth, which, in turn, means bridges, implants, etc. Financially, your discontinuation of water fluoridation means "Fat City" for us dentists. %N,,.Kok shitcning.com keR Whitening 5 Vanderbilt • Inine • California t)2hl8 I Telephone 9d9.'I +_0909 I Toll Frey 866.', h1.'75; By advocating for fluoridation, we are essentially acting against our own financial interests to do what is right. We are asking you to do the same—to prioritize the long-term health of your constituents over the immediate budget line items. I have been a dental scientist for the past 50 years, but realize that dentistry is full of scientists. And to a degree, every dentist is a scientist. Who knows more about the science of water fluoridation than dentists and dental scientists? Do you think for a moment that we are only concerned about the welfare of our patients' mouths? No. We are concerned about the patient as a whole person. If fluoridation was found by credible sources to be harmful in any way, we would be the first to know. And the first to object to fluoridation. And as a dental scientist for 50 years, I sure as heck would know about any credible evidence of fluoridation being harmful in any way. I grew up in the 50's and 60's with no water fluoridation. When I went to the dentist, who was a general dentist (not a pediatric dentist), the reception room was always full of other kids like myself. I never wondered if my dentist would find a cavity. I just wondered HOW MANY cavities he'd find. When I started practicing dentistry in 1978 in communities without fluoridation, I found rampant tooth decay across the entire spectrum of the communities I served. But when I returned to Southern California, where I'd grown up, and started practicing in Huntington Beach where the water supply had been fluoridated since the early 70's, I rarely found cavities in children. I was amazed. "Wow!" I thought. "Fluoridation really does work as well as they say." And my own children, one age 40 and the other age 43, have never had a cavity. That's not because as a dentist father I have the ability to provide a protective force field around them to prevent tooth decay. It's because of the fluoridation. And my kids are mentally as sharp as whips and as healthy as can be. So please — follow our lead. We dentists take a monumental financial hit by advocating for fluoridation. The least you could do is to take the time to think about what is really important to the Huntington Beach City Council. Is it your budget? Or is it the health and welfare of every child and adult hying in Huntington Beach, including your own families? If you at all find this concerning, you may wonder how, exactly, fluoridation works to reduce and prevent tooth decay. I think you may find this compelling. As a scientist, I always look at the science: What causes Cavities? The answer is ACID. When we eat or drink anything with even a trace of sugar, the bacteria on our teeth just love to eat that sugar. And after eating the sugar, those bacteria give off a waste product from the sugar: Lactic Acid. That acid eats away at the tooth structure, right next to those bacteria. Bacteria hide between our teeth and in the deep grooves of our teeth. That's why between teeth and in deep grooves is where cavities typically occur. ,cN N.KoRi hitening.com kiiit 11 hitt•iiiii Tcicphont 949.713.U9U4 1 -loll Eric !{66.763.7753 So, ACID is the enemy. You've heard of pH. A pH of 7 is neutral. It's not acidic and it's not alkaline. But once your saliva next to the bacteria goes down to an acidic pH of 5.5 because of the lactic acid, it will start eating away tooth enamel. I'm talking about regular, NON-fluoridated, tooth enamel. But what if those teeth had fluoride attached to the enamel molecules throughout the tooth structure? When talking about teeth that have fluoride in them, that acid must be TEN TIMES STRONGER (pH 4.5) before it can start eating away tooth structure. Let me say that again... To cause a cavity in a tooth that is fluoridated requires the acid to be TEN TIMES STRONGER. The same acid that would quickly cause a cavity in a NON-fluoridated tooth will not cause damage to the fluoridated tooth. But what about fluoride in toothpaste and fluoride treatments at the dentist? We call that "topical fluoride". That gets fluoride only on the very surface of the tooth enamel. And yes, that's good. But that only gets into the tooth to the depth of about 1/7th the thickness of one sheet of copy paper. Or 1/4th the thickness of one human hair. It's virtually a microscopic thickness of outer tooth surface that becomes fluoridated. The other 99.99% of tooth structure under the surface is still NON-fluoridated. So topical fluoride alone, without fluoride in drinking water, is of relatively little benefit. But fluoridated drinking water results in teeth being fully fluoridated, through and through. Teeth that are truly protected for a lifetime. If you've made it to the bottom of this message, thank you for making the effort and learning about our concerns. Very best regards, 004. 40Q tKfr(1-1 -- , Dr. Rodger "Rod" Kurthy Founder/Owner/Chairman KOR Whitening Technologies Home of the KOR®Whitening System 5 Vanderbilt Irvine, California 92618 Email: RKurthy@KoRwhitening.com Cellular: (949) 636-7055 H,.,s.KoRN hitening.com KoR Whitening Icicphc'ne `)-l'?. 'I ;-U')U') I Toil Free Kh(. '(,-; -75; From: Kiane Lu To: 5uoolementalcomm(asurfcity-hb.org Cc: Zokaie.Tooka Subject: Expression of Concern for Protecting Community Water Fluoridation in Huntington Beach Date: Monday,May 4,2026 3:55:44 PM Attachments: Water Fluoridation Beneficial Safe Saves Money.odf You don't often get email from kklu@usc.edu.1 earn why this is important Huntington Beach City Council Members, As a Huntington Beach local who has been blessed to live in the city with my family since a young age, I want to express my support for the dental professionals strong opposition to the proposed discontinuation of Community Water Fluoridation(CWF)under Item 25 Page 7 of the Tuesday, May 5th agenda.Now being exposed to the oral health issues within our communities from my experience at USC's pre-dental curriculum and Oral Systemic Health Project, I support the professional's urge for the continuation of CWF. Further concerned for the well-being of my own family, I hope to take on as many opportunities as possible to protect the community that I grew up in.The biggest emphasis is the cost reduction from fluoridation in water for families,which would greatly benefit my family who has faced financial setbacks this year. Please feel free to review the further facts regarding fluoridation in water in the fact sheet attached to this email. We hope that we can get your support on this drastic matter. Kiane Lu ('28) ®; Undergraduate Student Dornslife College kklu@usc.edu 714.788.8896 . . cxi . Water fluoridation : ,>> .. _. ,..... It's beneficial, safe and saves money .r: ., wa. FOUNDATION Fluoridated water is safe. The largest . organization of pediatricians says the safety of fluoridation is backed by "overwhelming evidence." The main concern that is raised • about fluoride is whether it might be linked v _ •, to lower IQ scores. A report by the National I. Toxicology Program (NTP) linked fluoride with ( ;. lower IQ scores, but consider these key points: Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease The NTP report did not link lower IQs for adults and children in the U.S. Cavities and with the low amount present in America's toothaches often disrupt people's lives, causing absences tap water. from school or work. In a national survey, nearly 3 in 10 young adults said the appearance of their mouth and Most of the studies in the NTP report were teeth "affects my ability to interview for a job." from China, India and other countries where populations were exposed to greater amounts Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in lakes, of fluoride than people are exposed to in U.S. rivers and groundwater. However, most water supplies do tap water. not contain enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay. This is A National Academies of Sciences, why many local water systems add a little bit more. Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) review said the NTP report failed to provide Water with the right balance of fluoride "clear and convincing" evidence to back up prevents decay. When drinking water has the its conclusions. recommended amount of fluoride, it strengthens the enamel — the outer coating of teeth. This reduces cavities by 25%. Studies from Australia, Denmark, New Water and toothpaste with fluoride work Zealand, Spain and Sweden show no link together, much like seatbelts and airbags in a car. between fluoridated water and cognitive Fluoride toothpaste provides a higher concentration at deficits. The New Zealand study is the only published key times of the day (such as bedtime). The fluoride in fluoride study that tested 'Qs several times during each water helps keep a low level of the mineral in the mouth person's childhood and adulthood. throughout the day. When fluoridation ends, tooth decay rises. Physicians, nurses and dentists strongly Researchers have learned what happens when a city support water fluoridation. The most respected ends fluoridation. Calgary, one of Canada's largest cities, voices in health and medicine recommend fluoridation. stopped fluoridation in 2011. But its city council reversed These include the American Academy of Pediatrics, its decision after seeing a significant rise in tooth decay American Dental Association and National Association of rates. The rate of urgent dental treatment for Calgary School Nurses. children rose by 78% after the city ended fluoridation. Fluoridated water saves money for families Preventive dental care is important, but and taxpayers. A 2016 study showed that each it cannot "replace" fluoridation. Many people person in a fluoridated community saves $32 per year. cannot afford regular dental care, and 68 million How? By reducing the need to treat decayed teeth. Americans lack dental insurance. Plus, 56 million Updated for inflation, this savings is now over $43 per Americans live in areas with a shortage of person, per year. dental providers. From: McCune.Mary To: suoolementalcomm(Tsurfcity-hb.orq Subject: May 5 Item 25: Fluoridation Letter from Local Constituents and Dentists Date: Monday,May 4,2026 3:56:25 PM Attachments: ConstituentLetter Item25 HuntingtonBeach.odf You don't often get email from mary.mccune@cda.org.I earn why this is important To Whom It May Concern: The attached letter is from over 150 local dentists and constituents who are extremely concerned about the proposal to remove fluoridation from Huntington Beach. Mary McCune(she/her/hers) Policy Director California Dental Association Executive Director, California Dental Association Foundation CDA I CDA Foundation I TDIC I TDIC Insurance Solutions 1201 K Street, 15th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 800.232.7645 1916.554.5359 1916.342.3609 mobile mary.mccune@cda.org I cda.org cdafoundation.org To the Huntington Beach City Council, We,as over 150 dental professionals who serve your constituents and community members,are united in strong opposition to the proposed discontinuation of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF)which stems from cost savings of$160,000 annually to fund the program.Covering this gap would cost less than$1 per constituent per year,a minimal investment with a profound impact on the health of our entire community. The projected$6.7 million in"avoided future capital costs" is unclear,vague,and unexpectedly high compared to other systems for fluoridation maintenance. CWF is one of the most effective,equitable,and evidence-based public health measures available to prevent tooth decay and improve overall oral health.As dentists,we have seen firsthand the difference fluoridated water makes in reducing cavities,especially among children and underserved populations. Eliminating fluoridation would disproportionately harm the most vulnerable in our community who may not have regular access to dental care due to lack of insurance,transportation,mobility, etc.This decision would widen existing health disparities and undermine decades of progress in disease prevention. We urge the city council to say no to this proposal and continue supporting the health of your community.At the minimum,we request you move this agenda item to a future meeting in order to give ample time for Huntington Beach residents to share their thoughts on this proposal that would have significant impacts to their health. Maintaining this program is a shared responsibility and a vital commitment to the well-being of everyone in Huntington Beach. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue and for your ongoing service to the public. With gratitude, 1. Mai Bright Smiles 2. Surf City Orthodontics 3. Ford Dental Group 4. Tiny Tooth Co. 5. Surf City Pediatric Dentistry 6. Diamond Dental of Los Alamitos 7. Newport Hills Pediatric Dentistry 8. Santa Maria Pediatric Dental Group&Ortho 9. Elements Dentistry 10. HB Smile Camp Pediatric Dentistry 11. Splendid Dentistry 12. Tayor Cosmetic&General Dentistry 13. Anaheim Hills Dentistry 14. Harbour Dental 15. Soo and Shi Orthodontics 16. Beach Heights Dentistry Laguna Dental PC 17. Briana Chavez 18. Lily Pham, DDS 19. Lulia Bennet, DDS 20. Sona Bekmezian, DDS, MS 21. John Guijon, DDS 22. Marlene A. Miller, DMD, MMedSc 23. Jonggoo Park 24. Sejin Ahn, DDS 25. Shireen Dejbakhsh, MS, DDS 26. Sophie Sawires, DDS 27. Robed: Lee, DDS, MS 28. Andrew Levin DDS, MSD 29. Megan Thai DDS 30. Kelly Gibson 31. Bruce S Harris DDS 32. Ria Guzman 33. Gorden Pang 34. Joseph Henry DDS 35. Jonathan Ford 36. Chi Train Law, DMD 37. Victor Chu, DDS 38. Vivek Patel, DMD 39. Sal Manrriquez, DDS, DABOP, FAAOP, FANS 40. Dr. Minh-An La-Pham 41. Ayat Elsherif DDS, MS 42. andrew vo dds 43. Anna Chand 44. Dr.Joanna Jefferson 45. Hana GabrielDDS 46. Dr. Sara Saber, DDS 47. Christina Do Vu Phan DDS 48. Adam Vaghari DOS 49. Brian Tadang, DDS 50. Alice Lee-Ahn 51. Christopher Wong DDS 52. George SooHoo 53. Brandon Curfew DMD 54. Emily Dodds 55. Amir Kazim DDS FACD FICD FPFA 56. Julio Terra D.D.S. 57. James Shon 58. Hun Hwang D.M.D 59. Mariam Soldin-Wasfi DMD 60. Larry J. Diamond, DDS 61. Amelia Orduna 62. Phuong Duc Tran 63. Carol K Arima D.D.S. 64. Amirreza Rafaat DOS 65. Judy Gillard 66. Keith Tam, DOS 67. Jacki Iran, DMD 68. Rebecca L. Hart, DDS 69. Bahman Derakhshan 70. Lana Tran, DDS 71. Cynthia Scheines 72. Joyce Fang Inouye, DDS 73. Kimberly Johnson Genc DDS 74. Rex Chuang, DDS 75. Jeff Flores DDS 76. William Maginnis DDS 77. Anne E Doan Van, DDS 78. Lilley Gharavi, DMD 79. Ha Lee DDS 80. Keith Tang, DDS 81. David Telles 82. Laura Sprague, DDS 83. Dr. Kendra Brooks, DDS 84. Dr. Marinho Vanessa DDS 85. Sun Hyoung Goco 86. David H. Okawachi, DDS 87. Tiffany Thuy Trying Vo, DDS 88. Dr. Rajvee Bhakta 89. Toks Onyekwuluje 90. Calvin Le, D.D.S. 91. Andrew Lee DDS 92. Christopher Y. Shi, DMD 93. Irene Hwang DDS 94. Dr.Steven T. Bui 95. Mandeep Bal 96. Katarina Kroll, DDS 97. Ting-Wey Yen, DDS, MS 98. Kevin Quan DDS 99. Janice Hong 100. Brett Brazeal DDS 101. Richard Paul Mungo DDS, MSD, MMedEd,FACD 102. Samuel Berro DDS 103. Lisa Chang 104. Dich Lu DDS 105. Ginnie I Chen, DDS 106. Katie Ho, DDS 107. Negar Derakshani, DDS 108. Richard Hamaty 109. Aaron M.Takigawa, DDS 110. Barry D Israel, DDS 111. Rodger"Rod" Kurthy, DMD 112. Lester Lim DDS 113. John E. Elliott, DDS, DABP 114. David Hochwald DDS 115. Naz Hague, DDS 116. Susan Hill Taylor, DDS 117. Tuan Doan 118. Teresa Do, DDS 119. Melissa Ota DDS 120. Eugene J Schmidt, DDS, FACD, MAGD, FPFA, FICD 121. Robert A. Milner, DDS 122. Oarina Lowe, DDS 123. Howard Kaufman, DDS 124. Lilian Cifarelli DDS 125. Lisa J Nakagawa DDS 126. Daniel Sang Lee, DDS 127. Caroline Tran, DDS 128. Kevin Hszieh, DDS 129. Kelly McDonough, DDS 130. Cary Sun, DDS 131. Justin A. Shuffer, DDS 132. Arman Mirai Linda Phi, DDS 133. Kelly Jin DMD 134. Dr. Faisal ALdujaili, DDS 135. Richard Lee 136. Dr.James Lee, DDS 137. Akemi Arzouman, DMD, MS 138. Michael J Paquette DDS 139. Darcy Kawamoto, DDS 140. Eirene Ding, DDS 141. Jenny Liang, DMD 142. Linda Lee 143. Neda Borna 144. Teagan Willes DDS 145. Sally Mendonz,DDS 146. Niloofar Mozhgani 147. Omer Tabel, DDS, BSDH 148. Jonathan Lo, D.D.S. 149. Mylea Hunter DDS MS 150. John Mario Cargasacchi DDS 151. Israwl Ismaj, DDS 152. Khang Le 153. Kenneth Barret DDS From: onewildart To: uoolementa'corn mCa surfcity-hb.orQ Cc: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF) Subject: Water fluoridation Date: Monday,May 4,2026 4:52:55 PM Community water fluoridation is a safe, cost-effective, and highly effective public health measure that reduces tooth decay by about 25% in children and adults. It provides equitable access to dental protection, regardless of income, saving roughly $32 per person annually in treatment costs. The CDC considers it one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. In other words, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Sent from my iPad