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The Venturi Fluoride Saturator project
R J Hastreiter1, M C Falken, G G Smith
1Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis 55440.
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Venturi Fluoride Saturator (VFS) systems are not recommended for small water systems due to maintenance issues. While community systems showed some success, school systems failed to maintain fluoride levels, indicating a need for VFS system improvements.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Public Health
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Fluoridation of small community and school water supplies is crucial for public dental health.
- Existing methods for water fluoridation require evaluation for their suitability in smaller systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and maintenance requirements of Venturi Fluoride Saturator (VFS) systems for small community and school water supplies.
- To determine if VFS systems can achieve and maintain optimal fluoride residuals.
Main Methods:
- Installation and operation of VFS systems at four school and six community water well sites.
- Monitoring of system performance and maintenance efforts according to state and federal guidelines.
Main Results:
- School VFS systems failed to maintain optimal fluoride residuals despite significant maintenance efforts.
- Community VFS systems generally performed acceptably, with minor interruptions.
- Maintenance was labor-intensive, compounded by equipment delivery delays, lack of technical support, and poor equipment quality.
Conclusions:
- The expansion of VFS systems for community or school fluoridation is not recommended in their current state.
- Extensive laboratory testing, research and development for VFS unit improvement, and establishment of a robust distribution and support network are necessary.