HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.a. MDH Variance Request RESEN'1E1JNJT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
UTILITY COMMISSION
Utility Commission Meeting: September 14, 2015
AGENDA ITEM: MDH Variance Request for Reduced Fluoride AGENDA SECTION:
Levels
PREPARED BY: Patrick Wrase, PE, Dir ctor of Public Works / AGENDA NO./ c 4
City Engineer
ATTACHMENTS: Variance Request APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: None
J
ISSUE:
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends all municipal public water suppliers submit a
variance to allow reduced levels of fluoride in the drinking water,as recommended by the Department of
Health and Human Services.
BACKGROUND:
On April 27, 2015 the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) finalized new guidance which
recommends reduced levels of fluoride in drinking water (from 1.2 mg/L down to 0.7 mg/L). This new
guidance was based on scientific assessments to balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay while
limiting any potential negative effects of fluoride consumption, specifically dental fluorosis (tooth
discoloration).
The MDH has begun the process to make changes to MN Rule 4720.0030,which states that fluoride
content should be maintained at an average concentration of 1.2 mg/L. Until the rule has been revised,
water suppliers are encouraged to apply for a variance to reduce the fluoride to the amount recommended
by the DHHS.
In order to reduce the levels of fluoride in Rosemount drinking water, a simple manual adjustment to the
chemical feed equipment is necessary. There is no cost associated with this change,but the MDH
anticipates that water suppliers will reduce fluoridation chemical expenses by approximately $8.00 per
million gallons of water produced. Based on average water usage over the past five years, the City will save
approximately$7,000 per year in chemical costs.
SUMMARY:
The City Council authorized the submittal of this variance request at the September 1, 2015 City Council
meeting. This is provided to the Utility Commission for information purposes only. No action is needed.
G:\Water\Drinking Water Regulations\20150914 UC MDH Variance Request-Fluoride Levels.docx
NADH Minnesota Department of Health
Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of oil Minnesota ns
Date: August 7,2015
To: Municipal Community Public Water System Owners and Water Superintendents
From: Karla Peterson,P.E.,Supervisor, Community Public Water Supply Unit,MDH
Phone: 651/201-4679
Subject: Minnesota Fluoridation Law-Rule Variance Process—Second Notice
The Minnesota Department of Health(MDH) recommends all municipal public water systems
(PWSs) submit the variance request below. There will be long-term cost savings for
municipalities,but it is understood that some PWSs will need to replace chemical feed pumps to
meet the new fluoride concentration range, and will not be able to submit the request immediately.
Variance Request to Minnesota Rule 4720.0030
PWS Name City of Rosemount
PWS ID Number 1190019
I am requesting a discretionary variance to Minnesota Rule 4720.0030 on behalf of my PWS. We
intend to maintain an average fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/I,, between 0.5 and 0.9 mg/L, levels
supported by current U.S. Department of Health&Human Services(HHS) recommendations.
The requested variance is consistent with updated public health risk information. The requested
variance will not prejudice the substantial legal or economic rights of any person or entity.
Request Date 9/2/2015
If applying by email, I intend this email address to be my signature: Patrick.wrase@ci.rosemount.mn.us
If applying in writing, Signature of PWS Owner or Representative:
Completed requests must be emailed to health.drinkingwateradvisory(a@state.mn.us or sent to
Minnesota Department of Health, Drinking Water Protection Section, 625 North Robert Street,
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975.
Please contact 651/201-4700 or health.drinkingwateradvisory@state.mn.us with any questions.
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