Middletown Failed to Notify County Health of Nov. 10 Fluoride Overfeed

Middletown disclosed that a malfunction in its fluoride system on Nov. 10 resulted in an overfeed of fluoride for about five hours, and city officials did not notify the Orange County Department of Health within the 48-hour window required by New York State Sanitary Code. Although follow-up tests collected on and after Nov. 10 indicated normal fluoride levels, the city said more chemical was used that day than is typical, making it likely that water with elevated fluoride reached customers.

The lapse in timely notification was described in a public notice distributed Jan. 21. The notice states that residents do not need to use an alternative water supply such as bottled water, but recommends that anyone with specific health concerns consult a doctor or dentist. The city outlined potential health effects of elevated fluoride at higher concentrations, including a risk of dental fluorosis in developing teeth and, with long-term very high exposures, possible bone disease.

Middletown’s response to the incident included reducing the chemical pumping rate to return outgoing water to optimal fluoride levels, collecting additional distribution samples that confirmed optimal levels, temporarily shutting down the fluoride injection system, and upgrading safeguards to prevent future overfeed events. The fluoride system was returned to service on Dec. 12, 2025.

For local residents, the immediate public health risk appears limited based on the sample results that followed the event. Still, the failure to notify county health officials in the required timeframe raises questions about operational oversight and transparency in a utility many families rely on daily. Parents of infants and children, residents with chronic health conditions, and caregivers in group settings such as nursing homes and schools are likely to pay closest attention to the notice and its recommended precautions.

Middletown urged residents to share the notice with those who may not have received it directly, including tenants of apartments, nursing home residents, school administrators, and local businesses. For more information or to raise specific concerns, contact Jacob Tawil, Department of Public Works Commissioner, at 845-343-3169, or the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2331. The city notice is available at middletownny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx.

The episode underscores the importance of timely public health communication and robust safeguards for municipal water systems. Residents should monitor communications from the city and county health department, consult health professionals if they have concerns, and expect follow-up from local officials about any additional steps to restore public confidence and prevent repeat incidents.