The City of Ishpeming held a Special Council Meeting on July 9, 2025, at 6:00 P.M., focusing on public health concerns regarding water fluoridation. The meeting addressed two primary myths surrounding the addition of fluoride to the city's water supply.

The first topic discussed was the distinction between naturally occurring fluoride and the fluoride added to municipal water. A council member clarified that the fluoride used in water treatment is an ionic compound, similar to table salt, which consists of positively charged ions and negatively charged ions. When dissolved in water, these compounds separate into individual ions, meaning that regardless of the source—be it sodium fluoride or calcium fluoride—the fluoride behaves the same once in solution. This explanation aimed to dispel misconceptions about the nature of fluoride in drinking water.

The second myth addressed was the safety of hydrofluorosilicic acid, a compound used in water fluoridation. The council member explained that acids can exist in two states, with or without hydrogen ions. Using a car analogy, they compared this to a convertible that can be driven with the top up or down, emphasizing that both forms are still fundamentally the same compound. This analogy was intended to reassure the public about the safety of the fluoride compound used in the water supply.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue educating the community about the benefits and safety of water fluoridation, aiming to foster a better understanding among residents. The council plans to follow up with additional informational sessions to address ongoing concerns and questions from the public.