BOPU Gets Fluoride Shipment, Levels To Remain Steady For Now

The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities has received a shipment of fluoride that is expected to last about 90 days.

That means a drop in fluoride levels in the Cheyenne water supply that was announced earlier this month won't happen, at least not yet.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral often added to drinking water to reduce dental cavities. Earlier this month the BOPU said its usual fluoride supplier has not been able to provide the product right now and no future delivery had been scheduled. The latest delivery changes that over the short term at least.

While Cheyenne's drinking water has a certain amount of naturally-occurring fluoride, it also is added to the water supply at the R.L. Sherard Water Treatment Plant. Between the natural fluoride and the added supplemental fluoride, local drinking water typically contains around 0.7 mg/L of the mineral.

On Tuesday, the BOPU announced that it has received one shipment of fluoride after all. Townsquare Media contacted BOPU spokesperson Erin Lamb to ask if that means the fluoride levels will remain the same for now.

Here is her response:

Yes, that's correct.

We will supplement until the supply runs out. We are not on the schedule to receive additional supply, however should the supply chain issue be resolved – that may change as well.