Are fluoride shortages or disruptions seasonal in nature?
Although shortages or disruptions can occur at any time of year, the most common season for shortages is summer. In the summer months, irrigation often results in the greatest demand for water, and water plants can commonly produce 30% to 50% more in summer months than in winter months. Many water treatment facilities have a 2- to 3-month storage capacity. Planning for summer demand by storing inventory to the maximum capacity at water treatment facilities at the beginning of the summer or by scheduling a delivery in mid-summer can minimize the potential for supply shortages. Storage of fluoride inventories longer than 6 months would not be recommended, particularly for dry additives.
