Fluoride late but here by year end

ROCKHAMPTON’S controversial delivery of fluoride has been delayed because Fitzroy River Water is still awaiting equipment.

Chair of Rockhampton Regional Council Water Committee Greg Belz said although the original introduction date of December 1 would not be met, fluoride dosing was expected to begin mid-December.

“Although there has been a delay in the manufacturers’ delivery of equipment to the Glenmore Water

Treatment Plant, FRW is waiting and ready to install the equipment when it arrives,” Cr Belz said.

“This equipment was ordered in mid-August 2009 with delivery scheduled for November 2.

“However, the manufacturers have only this week delivered the key components of the equipment such as mixing tanks and pumps, some three weeks after the originally scheduled delivery date.”

FRW would have the fluoridation equipment installed and operating by the required date of December 31.

Cr Belz said FRW and contractors were confident of meeting the mid-December timeframe for testing and commissioning.

RRC decided to add fluoride to the region’s drinking water to improve Central Queenslander’s dental health, but the decision has received mixed reactions, especially following the fluoride overdose in the South-East in May.

Once fluoride has been added, the three-part system will test levels before water is released to the public. High readings will automatically shut down the system.