Michael Klein discusses fluoride in drinking water systems and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s (SRBC) approach regarding water usage by data centers in The Water News Source. Fluoridation of public drinking water remains a topic of debate as some communities reconsider its use due to cost and health concerns. Hanover Borough, Pa., is currently evaluating whether to stop adding fluoride to its water system, a discussion that mirrors similar efforts elsewhere in the country, including statewide bans in Utah and Florida. Despite these concerns, fluoridation remains widespread, serving more than 5 million Pennsylvanians. Supporters, including the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cite research showing that removing fluoride can lead to significant increases in cavities and dental treatment costs. According to the CDC, community water fluoridation reduces dental disease and saves an estimated $6.5 billion annually in dental expenses nationwide.

The SRBC, which regulates large water users throughout the Susquehanna River Basin, is closely monitoring the growing water demands of hyperscale data centers. Because traditional cooling systems can consume or evaporate millions of gallons of water per day, data centers exceeding SRBC water use thresholds must obtain approval before operating. While the SRBC recognizes data centers as an important economic opportunity, it is encouraging the adoption of water-saving technologies such as dry, hybrid, and closed-loop cooling systems. The SRBC points to evidence from power plants where dry cooling reduced water consumption by more than 98%, and it believes similar innovations can allow future data centers to operate sustainably while protecting water resources for other users and future generations.

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