Latest Link: Fluoride Issue Back Before Hartland Township Board

The Hartland Township Board of Trustees could decide during its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday whether to end water fluoridation for its tiny municipal system that serves about 500 customers within the community.

If the township board ends the practice, it would join only two communities in Michigan in recent years to take that step, according to an article in the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.

St. Ignace's city council stopped to save money in the mid-2000s, but brought the additive back after a community uproar, the newspaper reported, while Mount Clemens' decision about six months ago hasn't had much of a backlash.

In previous , supporters of stopping fluoridation say there's growing evidence the substance in tap water can have dangerous effects and want to let residents decide when and how they will use fluoride.

But defenders counter the low levels are safe and offer an important dental health benefit.

The trustees also could vote to enhance the current system to bring it in line with proposed more strict EPA standards. The price tag on upgrades could be as high as $30,000, according to the Press & Argus article, while there would be a cost savings to end using the substance.

Those who wish to weigh in on the issue would likely be able to voice their opinion before any vote during the public comment portion of the meeting. The meeting is at the Township Hall, 2655 Clark Rd.