McKenzie Set to Vote on Fluoride Issue

The McKenzie City Council meets Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m. with a light agenda. The top point of discussion is a Resolution # 26-002 Removal of Fluoride from City Water System.

During a workshop, on January 8, 2026, McKenzie Water Superintendent Earnest Umstead spoke to the Council at length about the possibility of removing fluoride from the water system. Umstead explained the inefficiency of adding fluoride. According to studies, a concentration of less than 0.9 is not very effective; the max concentration allowed is 0.7, as recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

By adding fluoride to the water, additional chemicals are needed to counteract the acidity. It was stated that fluoride is now more common in products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, and the necessity of fluoride in public water systems is less necessary.

The second item on the agenda is a discussion regarding TDOT Miscellaneous Safety Improvements and J-Turn Intersection plans in regards to SR124 to SR-423.