WET weather has pushed back the expected start date of fluoridated water in the Hastings.
Fluoride now is expected to be added to the Hastings’ water supply from late June, subject to final plant testing, commissioning and NSW Health approval.
The start date has been pushed back a month because of delays to the associated sewer works caused by wet weather.
Water fluoridation has long stirred controversy in the Hastings.
External construction work on the $1.77 million fluoridation plant near Wauchope is complete.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council staff is continuing to install the fluoridation equipment. The recurring running costs for the plant will be $150,000 a year.
No permanent staff will be based on site, however the dosing plant must be attended daily for water sampling and testing of fluoride content under NSW Health requirements.
NSW Health funded the $1.77 million fluoridation facility’s construction after a NSW Health directive to fluoridate the reticulated water supply.
Council earmarked an extra $300,000 for the project.
Two additional water-treatment operator positions have been approved in the council’s budget to cater for the new fluoridation plant, as well as the increasing responsibility and workloads at the water treatment plants at Wauchope, Comboyne, Long Flat and Telegraph Point.
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