Fact Check: Dear Ms. Clay, Thank you for reaching out to inquire about these important questions—it's always encouraging to hear from residents who take an active interest in the health and infrastructure safety of our community. 1. Fluoride in Tombstone Water: • Tombstone does not add fluoride to its municipal water supply. • Testing results show fluoride levels well under federal safety limits, averaging around 0.3 to 0.34 ppm, far below the EPA's maximum of 4 ppm. • The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water System database confirms no fluoride violations for our system in the past decade (EWG, EWG). 2. EMFs from Cell Towers: • Any cell towers in our area are required to meet FCC limits for EMF emissions, well below levels regarded as harmful. • Although some residents worry about long-term exposure, there is no credible evidence that FCC-compliant towers pose health risks. 3. Upcoming Treatment Plant Tour: • The City is organizing a guided tour of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants next week and we’d be pleased to have you join once the date is finalized. If you'd like to keep on top of the water quality reports, you can visit the City’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report page here: 🔗 https://cityoftombstoneaz.gov/public-works-department/ Please feel free to let me know if you'd like a spot on the plant tour. I’ll send details once it’s scheduled.

Fact Check: Fluoride and EMF Safety in Tombstone Water Supply

What We Know

The claim regarding the municipal water supply in Tombstone, Arizona, addresses three main points: the presence of fluoride, the safety of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from cell towers, and an upcoming treatment plant tour.

1. Fluoride Levels: The City of Tombstone does not add fluoride to its municipal water supply. Testing results indicate that fluoride levels in the water range from 0.3 to 0.34 parts per million (ppm), which is significantly below the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) maximum allowable limit of 4 ppm for fluoride in drinking water (EPA Water Quality Standards). Additionally, the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water System database confirms that there have been no fluoride violations in Tombstone's water supply over the past decade (City of Tombstone Annual Report).

2. EMF Emissions from Cell Towers: The claim states that any cell towers in the area must comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits for EMF emissions, which are considered safe. Research indicates that while some residents express concerns about long-term exposure to EMFs, there is currently no credible evidence suggesting that FCC-compliant towers pose health risks (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality).

3. Treatment Plant Tour: The city is indeed organizing a guided tour of its Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, which is a community engagement initiative.

Analysis

The evidence provided supports the claims made in the letter regarding the water quality and safety measures in Tombstone. The information about fluoride levels is corroborated by both the city’s annual drinking water quality report and the EPA's standards, confirming that the fluoride levels are well within safe limits (EWG Tap Water Database).

Regarding EMF emissions, the FCC sets strict guidelines that are based on extensive research and are designed to protect public health. The assertion that there is no credible evidence linking compliant towers to health risks is supported by multiple health organizations and regulatory bodies (Arizona Drinking Water Compliance Report).

The sources cited are reliable, coming from government agencies and official reports. The EPA and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality are authoritative sources on water quality and safety regulations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), while sometimes criticized for its advocacy stance, provides useful data on water quality that aligns with regulatory standards.

Conclusion

The claims made in the letter regarding the absence of fluoride in Tombstone's water supply, the safety of EMF emissions from cell towers, and the organization of a treatment plant tour are all supported by credible evidence. Therefore, the verdict is True.

Sources

1. Water Quality Standards Regulations: Arizona - US EPA
2. City of Tombstone, Cochise County, Arizona – Official Website
3. Arizona Drinking Water Compliance Report 2022 - azdeq.gov
4. EWG Tap Water Database | Tombstone, City of
5. Arizona - Fluoride Action Network
6. U.S. Health Secretary pushes reevaluation of fluoride in water
7. Fluoride Watch - Children's Health Defense Arizona Chapter