Baltimore Reduces Fluoride in Water Amid Supply Chain Disruptions

City officials cite issues from the war in Iran as the reason for the temporary fluoride level drop

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:14am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph of a human molar, its internal structure glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the importance of fluoride for dental health.An X-ray view of a human molar highlights the critical role of fluoride in maintaining dental health, as supply chain disruptions force Baltimore to temporarily reduce fluoride levels in its drinking water.Baltimore Today

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is lowering fluoride levels in the drinking water this week due to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran. Fluoride levels will drop from 0.7 milligrams per liter to 0.4 milligrams per liter, a change that DPW leaders say is temporary until normal supply levels can be restored.

Why it matters

Fluoride is an essential mineral for dental health, and the reduction in levels could increase the risk of tooth decay, especially for vulnerable populations. Dental experts are urging residents to take extra steps to maintain oral hygiene during this period.

The details

DPW officials say a key fluoride supplier based in Israel is experiencing significant disruptions in their operations due to the conflict in the Middle East. As a result, the limited supply being received is forcing the city to lower the fluoride levels in the water. This is the first time in decades that Baltimore has had to reduce fluoride in the water system.

  • The fluoride level reduction went into effect this week.
  • It's unclear when normal fluoride levels will be restored.

The players

Matthew Garbark

Director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.

Brionna Watson

Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the Community College of Baltimore County.

Dr. Charles Doring

President of the Maryland State Dental Association.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've been talking to our vendor, who provides us with the fluoride for the past couple of weeks. Due to disruptions in the supply from the Middle East, due to all of the conflict and issues going on there, the supply that we're receiving is being reduced. A lot of the supply is coming from the same producer, so it's happening across the system.”

— Matthew Garbark, Director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works

“Fluoride is an essential vitamin for our teeth. It is a great way as a public health initiative to allow everyone to be exposed to fluoride and to help prevent the development of caries as well as the progression of caries. This is a concern. Hopefully things will restore themselves where we are able to get back to the 0.7, but for now, I think it's more about what can we do in the meantime.”

— Brionna Watson, Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the Community College of Baltimore County

“Community water fluoridation has been hailed as one of the most important public health achievements of the past century. For more than 70 years, the appropriate level of fluoride in drinking water has prevented untold amounts of tooth decay — quietly protecting the health of millions. The stakes of disrupting that protection are real: studies show that children in communities without fluoridated water are three times more likely to require hospital-based dental surgery, placing even greater strain on our already overburdened emergency departments.”

— Dr. Charles Doring, President of the Maryland State Dental Association

What’s next

DPW leaders assured residents that the water supply remains safe and meets all federal and state standards. They noted that there are no minimum required fluoride levels for drinking water. It is unclear when fluoride levels will return to normal.

The takeaway

This disruption in Baltimore's water fluoridation highlights the importance of community-wide access to this essential mineral for dental health, and the need for resilient supply chains to maintain critical public health infrastructure.