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GATESVILLE – A motion to supply bottled water to children impacted by fluoride levels in the Gates County public water system failed here last month.

At the April 16 meeting of the Gates County Board of Commissioners, Dave Forsythe motioned that while Gates County continues to have high levels of fluoride in its public water system and that no significant progress has been made by the contracted engineer towards the resolution of the issue beyond continued well sampling and analysis, he moved that bottled water be procured and distributed to all Gates County schoolchildren under the age of eight years.

Further, Forsythe requested that the distribution of bottled water be coordinated with the assistance of Gates County Public Schools on a weekly basis.

Based on national studies, Forsythe said children, ages 8 and under, generally consume 40 ounces of water per day.

Forsythe said he has spoken with a company that distributes bulk quantities of drinking water.

“It would take roughly one truckload of water per month, which would be $7,000 per month for bottled water. For five gallon containers of water it would be $9,000 per month,” Forsythe said. “Our kids are our most valuable resource.

“This fluoride level has been high for 12 years,” Forsythe continued. “We’ve known about it since last July. We talked about distributing bottled water back in September, but it’s been shuffled to the side and it’s not like we’re going to get a magic answer right away. For a minimum of $84,000 per year, we can give our kids good drinking water. One of the affects of high fluoride levels in children is mental and cognitive issues. Spending $84,000 for our kids is a minimal effort, a minimal expenditure.”

Board chair Emily Truman ask Forsythe would he consider tabling this issue until the May meeting to see if the fluoride levels continue to drop per a report from the Public Works Director. She noted per the most recent testing of the public water system showed a fluoride level 1.2 parts per million which is lower than the maximum of 2.0 parts per million.

“No mam,” he replied. “Every month there is an excuse. I’d like to see this voted on now.”

Forsythe’s motion failed upon not receiving a second.