Water Authority votes to add fluoride to water

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Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000 | 11:49 a.m.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority voted Tuesday to begin adding fluoride to Las Vegas Valley water.

That will bring Southern Nevada in line with a legislative mandate of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million of fluoride, which dental experts say reduces cavities.

Concerns have been raised that some people, like the poor, cannot regularly afford toothpaste with fluoride, so their children do not get enough of the chemical.

Opponents argue that there are side effects to fluoride, including a yellowing of teeth, especially in children, and adverse effects on the bones of the elderly.

Las Vegas Valley Water District spokesman Vince Alberta said the initial start-up cost to add fluoride will be $160,000 with an annual cost of $400,000.

The fluoride addition issue will be put on the November ballot for voters to decide whether to continue the process, Alberta said.