Maryland Counties Temporarily Reduce Fluoride in Drinking Water

Supply chain issues linked to Middle East conflict force utility to lower fluoride levels

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:09pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the molecular structure of a water molecule, conceptually representing the internal composition of drinking water and the need to maintain consistent fluoride levels.An X-ray view of the molecular structure of drinking water highlights the importance of maintaining consistent fluoride levels for public health.Montgomery Village Today

WSSC Water, which provides drinking water to nearly 2 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, is temporarily reducing the level of fluoride added to the water supply. The utility cited 'nationwide supply challenges linked in part to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East' as the reason for the reduction.

Why it matters

Fluoride is added to many public water supplies to promote dental health, especially in children. This temporary reduction could impact oral hygiene for residents in the affected counties, raising concerns about potential increases in cavities and other dental issues if the lower fluoride levels persist for an extended period.

The details

WSSC Water said the fluoride reduction is a temporary adjustment driven solely by supply availability issues, not any change in policy or water treatment standards. The utility did not provide specifics on the exact timeline for when normal fluoride levels will resume.

  • WSSC Water announced the temporary fluoride reduction on April 8, 2026.

The players

WSSC Water

The utility that provides drinking water to nearly 2 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland.

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What’s next

WSSC Water did not provide a specific timeline for when normal fluoride levels will resume in the water supply. The utility said it is working to address the supply chain issues and restore full fluoride treatment as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This temporary fluoride reduction in Maryland highlights the potential public health impacts that can arise from global supply chain disruptions, even for routine municipal water treatment processes like fluoridation. It underscores the need for water utilities to have robust contingency plans to maintain essential services during times of crisis.