UPDATE:  ELEVATED FLUORIDE LEVEL OF DUBUQUE WATER CORRECTED

Following corrective actions and additional testing, the fluoride level in the City of Dubuque water system has returned to the desired level as of 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020.  Testing indicated the fluoride level has returned to under 2.0 milligrams per liter (mg/l) and water customers can immediately return to regular water use.  This incident posed an extremely low risk due to the short duration of the elevated fluoride levels.  

We apologize for any inconvenience the precautionary actions related to the temporarily elevated fluoride level caused and thank you for your patience. The City’s vigilant, ongoing water testing program ensures quick identification of any health and safety issues related to our water supply. 

BACKGROUND:  Customers of the Dubuque Water System were notified earlier on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, of temporarily elevated fluoride levels in the water system.  As a precaution, the Water Department recommended in the original announcement that children under nine be provided with alternative sources of drinking water OR water that has been treated to remove the fluoride. This was recommended to avoid the possibility of fluorosis, the staining and pitting of developing permanent teeth caused by prolonged exposure to elevated fluoride levels.  

As always, you may contact the City of Dubuque Water Department at 563.589.4291 or water@cityofdubuque.org with any comments or questions.


PWSID#: 3126052.
Date distributed:  2/5/20