What’s Next In Santa Fe’s Fluoride Debate?

For those who can’t get enough of Santa Fe’s ongoing fluoride debate, today’s Buckman Direct Diversion board meeting could be rather interesting.

The city-county board, which governs the area’s largest water delivery system, is scheduled to discuss fluoridation at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

For those not in the loop, the meeting comes on the heels of the Santa Fe County Commission’s decision Tuesday to refrain from voting, at least for now, on any fluoride proposal affecting the Buckman.

Santa Fe city councilors have been considering two separate proposals to stop fluoridating local water, and a majority of the council is backing an ordinance to immediately cease the practice.

But the city relies heavily on the Buckman to deliver water to its customers – about 60 percent of city residents get Buckman water – and if the county doesn’t sign on to an anti- fluoridation plan, the city could be left in the lurch.

In fact, the Santa Fe City Council voted last night to hold off on reviewing any fluoride-related legislation until the Buckman board has acted on the issue and/or the city can clear up jurisdictional questions involving the water system.

UPDATE: The Buckman Direct Diversion board reached no consensus on how to move forward with questions about fluoridating the city-county water system.

Board members discussed the item briefly, with most conversation centered around whether the city and county should coordinate fluoridation policies. It’s unclear when the board will next review the issue.

Buckman attorneys did say any decision affecting fluoride levels in the Buckman should be made by the Buckman board, and not solely by the city or county.

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about where things are headed next.