HARMONY PARK, Wisc. -- The water flows freely in Tricia Blomquist's home. The mother of two trusts that the water is not only safe, but good for 9-month-old Emily.

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Eye On Health: Cutting Out Fluoride?

"One of the reasons we moved to Harmony Grove is we knew there was no history of having problems with the water supply," Blomquist said.

The water in Blomquist's home isn't just consumed by her family, but also by the other kids she cares for at her home daycare center.

Blomquist found out just days ago the water will no longer contain fluoride. She was told the increased cost of water testing and limited health benefits are the reasons for the decision.

A letter from the sanitary district says that anyone over the age of 12 does not significantly benefit from adding fluoride to the water.

"I found information that kind of said the opposite," Blomquist reported. "They said fluoride was beneficial in the water much more so than any other form of fluoride."

Dr. Jaeger agrees. "The benefits are massive. It's one of the biggest public health benefits that we've found in the 20th century," he said.

Dr. Jaeger sees patients every day that have healthy teeth because of fluoridated water.

"When you drink it, the body grows it into the tooth so the tooth is strong. When you brush your teeth with fluoride, it only goes on the top of the existing tooth," he said.

Blomquist says the money spent on fluoride and testing is cheaper than keeping it out of the water.

"Potentially, that means that my girls would have more tooth decay or cavities as they get older," she postulated. "That goes right down to our insurance company, who are going to have to cover those dental bills."

The head of the Harmony Grove Sanitary District did not return News 3's calls. The clerk did say however, that compliance testing costs would increase 10 percent or $3,000.

Due to the number of calls the commissioners have received, they'll revisit the fluoride issue at an Oct. 7 meeting.

Free Flouride Pills Available

Free fluoride supplements (chewable pills or drops) are available through the Columbia County Health Department for Columbia County residents, who drink unfluoridated water, whether it is well water, or, in this case, municipal water. Call (608) 742-9227 for additional information.