Number
120187
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BOHL, DUDZIK, ZIELINSKI, KOVAC, PEREZ, BAUMAN, WADE, DAVIS, MURPHY AND HAMILTON
Title
Substitute resolution relating to reduction of the concentration of fluoride in Milwaukee's drinking water.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Milwaukee Water Works to reduce the concentration of fluoride in Milwaukee's drinking water to a maximum of 0.7 mg/L, or to the new level recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This resolution also directs Milwaukee Water Works and the Health Department to provide infant advisory notices to inform citizens of the potential risk fluoridated water poses to babies under 6 months of age. An advisory notice shall be distributed with annual water quality reports, posted on Milwaukee Water Works and Health Department websites, posted at all Health Department facilities , and provided to citizens receiving well maternal and infant home visits by Health Department staff.
Body
Whereas, Fluoride is added to Milwaukee municipal drinking water to a final concentration of 1.1 milligrams per Liter (mg/L); and
Whereas, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to officially recommend in the near future that the fluoride concentration in municipal water systems should be 0.7 mg/L; and
Whereas, The Health Department supports the reduction of fluoride to a maximum of 0.7 mg/L in anticipation of the HHS recommendation; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Water Works' fluoride addition system meets the requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for chemical feeder-setting requirements, storage tank sizing, time limits for chemical storage, and chemical measurements and monitoring programs; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Milwaukee Water Works is directed to reduce the fluoride concentration in the drinking water supply to a maximum of 0.7 mg/L, or to the level recommended by HHS; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Milwaukee Water Works shall inform the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources of this change; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Milwaukee Water Works and the Health Department are directed to provide an infant advisory notice to inform citizens of the potential risk fluoridated water poses to babies under 6 months of age; and, be it
Further Resolved, The infant advisory notice shall include the following statement:
"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, for optimal short- and long-term health advantages. Go to <http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full> for more information.
As of (City Clerk to insert date) City of Milwaukee water is fluoridated at a level of 0.7 mg/L. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), for infants up to 6 months of age, if tap water is fluoridated or has substantial natural fluoride (0.7 mg/L or higher) and is being used to dilute infant formula, a parent may consider using a low-fluoride alternative water source. Bottled water known to be low in fluoride is labeled as purified, deionized, demineralized, distilled, or prepared by reverse osmosis. Ready-to-feed (no-mix) infant formula typically has little fluoride and may be preferable at least some of the time.
If breastfeeding is not possible, parents should consult a pediatrician about an appropriate infant formula option. Parents should be aware that there may be an increased chance of mild dental fluorosis if the child is exclusively consuming infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water. Dental fluorosis is a term that covers a range of visible changes to the enamel surface of the tooth. Go to <http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/infant_formula.htm> for more information on dental fluorosis and <http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/infant_formula.htm> for more information on the use of fluoridated drinking water in infant formula."
;and, be it
Further Resolved, The initial distribution of this infant advisory notice shall be distributed with quarterly municipal services bill, and thereafter, shall be distributed with annual water quality reports; and, be it
Further Resolved, Infant advisory notices shall be posted on Milwaukee Water Works and Health Department websites, and at all Health Department facilities, and shall be provided to citizens receiving well maternal and infant home visits by Health Department staff.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB137347-2.4
Amy E. Hefter
7/24/2012