US Water Utilities Reduce Fluoride Levels Due to Israeli Supply Shortages

Several U.S. water utilities have reduced fluoride levels in drinking water for millions of residents due to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, officials announced in early April 2026. The shortages stem from decreased production at Israeli suppliers of hydrofluorosilicic acid, a key compound used in fluoridation, affecting systems in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

In Baltimore, the city Department of Public Works lowered fluoride concentrations from the recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter to 0.4 milligrams per liter at its filtration plants starting April 13. The utility serves about 1.8 million people in and around Maryland's largest city. "This is an adjustment driven solely by supply availability," said Matthew Garbark, director of the department. "We remain committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water." Officials attributed the change to broader national disruptions, including reduced output from a major Israeli supplier facing operational challenges.

Similarly, WSSC Water, which provides services to 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, announced on April 7 that it would add only 0.4...