Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond’s Water Treatment Plant experienced an issue on Wednesday, April 23 during installation of a new fluoride pump, which led to a temporary increase in the level of fluoride in the water system for a period of five hours. Prior to this event, the fluoride system was offline for repairs. During this period, drinking water produced by the Water Treatment Plant remained safe for consumption. 

Fluoride levels detected at the Water Treatment Plant and in the distribution network were reported for April 28. Current levels of fluoride range from 0.63 mg/L to 0.7 mg/L at the City of Richmond’s Water Treatment Plant. The City has proactively flushed where necessary and monitored the fluoride levels within the entire distribution system. Sample results for Tuesday, April 29, 2025 show that all areas of the distribution system are below 2.0 mg/L and ranged from 0.60 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L. The City has notified Virginia Department of Health that the fluoride levels within the distribution system have returned to below 2.0 mg/L.  

Fluoride is an element that may be found naturally in sources of drinking water, such as ground water. Fluoride has been added to drinking water by drinking water systems to improve dental health.  

For more information on fluoride and fluoridation levels, visit the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/office-of-drinking-water/fluoridation/.

For more information about fluoride and potential health effects, call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).