NSW Health authorities alerted after failure of fluoride dosing system at Wellington

NSW Health authorities and local residents are being alerted regarding a failure at Wellington’s water treatment plant. Here’s the latest advice.

Wellington Water Treatment Plant cannot provide additional fluoride to water as the pump has broken.

Wellington residents and NSW Health authorities are being alerted that fluoride has stopped being pumped into the local water.

Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has advised that fluoride is currently not available in Wellington’s water supply due to the failure of the fluoride dosing system at the local water treatment plant.

Residents are still encouraged to drink the water produced at the Wellington treatment plant as it meets all the requirements for safe drinking water.

“Due to the failure of the pump fluoride is not currently provided in Wellington’s potable water supply,” a statement from the council read.

“Council has been in contact with NSW Health and alerted them to the situation.”

Fluoride reduces tooth decay. Photo: iStock

DRC acting director of infrastructure Chris Godfrey said fluoride in drinking water “reduces tooth decay”.

“A lack of fluoridation will not cause any adverse health issues,” Mr Godfrey said.

He added Wellington residents would be unaffected as long as they “brush their teeth regularly”, “floss”, and visit their dentist regularly.

A statement from NSW Health said “tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in Australia” causing further problems with overall “health” and “wellbeing”.

“Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth’s enamel surface to prevent tooth decay,” a spokesman said.

Dubbo Regional Council has advised that the water is safe to drink.

The entirety of Wellington’s potable water supply is affected including Wellington township, Montefiores, Nanima Village, Wellington Caves, Wellington Correctional Centre and Macquarie Correctional Centre.

Dubbo’s water supply has not received fluoride in their water supply since 2019 due to a leaking storage tank.

Council staff have been advised the Wellington water treatment plant’s pump cannot be repaired and has to be replaced.

“The supplier has also advised because of the specialised nature of the pump it must be sourced from Germany as there are no replacement pumps in Australia, however Council staff are exploring options on how to achieve a shorter delivery time frame,” the council statement read.

“The estimated delivery time for the replacement pump is currently mid-March 2023. Treatment on the water has been maintained to the highest level.”