PRAIRIE GROVE -- The city of Prairie Grove will add fluoride to its own water treatment plant to comply with state legislation signed into law in 2001.
Prairie Grove water customers already receive fluoridated water from Benton/Washington Regional Water Authority, or Two-Ton as it is commonly called.
Currently, about 44 percent of water used in Prairie Grove comes from the treatment plant on Prairie Grove Lake, while 56 percent comes from Two-Ton, which supplies treated water from Beaver Lake.
Act 197 mandates fluoridation for water systems that provide service to 5,000 people or more. It is now estimated that the city has 2,200 water customers and provides service to about 5,300 people, according to Larry Oelrich, director of administrative services and public works.
"We knew this day was coming," he added.
Oelrich estimates fluoride equipment will cost about $183,000 and Delta Dental Foundation, a non-profit arm of Delta Dental of Arkansas, has approved a grant to pay the costs. The city will advertise for bids and if costs run over the estimate, Delta Dental says it will cover any additional expenses, Oelrich said.
Prairie Grove is in the process of completely rehabbing the city's 40-year-old water treatment plant and fluoridation equipment will be added to that project, Oelrich said. The city is waiting to receive final approval for the project from the Arkansas Department of Health.
The rehab plan includes new electrical wiring, new master control panels, new metering, new plant operational controls, along with new plant equipment and building improvements.
Tentatively, Oelrich said, the city will advertise for bids for the project in May and open bids in June. Construction would start in September.
General News on 03/30/2016