The Venturi Fluoride Saturator Project

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine whether Venturi Fluoride Saturator (VFS) systems could be used to fluoridate small community and school water supply systems with an acceptable level of maintenance. VFS systems were installed and operated at four school and six community well sites according to state and federal regulations and recommendations. School VFS systems were unable to maintain optimum fluoride residuals even with substantial maintenance. All six community well site VFS systems performed acceptably, with only a few short lapses. VFS system maintenance was labor intensive. Recurring problems were caused by lengthy equipment delivery delays, the unavailability of timely technical assistance to support the VFS system, and the inadequate quality of VFS equipment and design. Based upon these findings, further expansion of the use of VFS systems either for community or school fluoridation cannot be recommended. Additional study of and improvements in the VFS system are indicated. Three major recommendations appear appropriate: (1) extensive laboratory testing of the VFS system concept under controlled conditions should be performed to determine the functioning parameters of this equipment under different hydrodynamic conditions; (2) additional research and development of the VFS unit to improve the quality of operations and the quality control of manufacturing and assembly should be undertaken; and (3) a VFS equipment distribution network should be developed, with sufficient logistical and technical support to supply equipment parts and expertise for installation, monitoring, and maintenance in a timely and efficient manner.