The DeForest Water Utility (“Utility”) has a proud tradition of providing safe and healthy drinking water to its residents and visitors.
Around 2007, the DeForest Water Utility, which includes wells 2, 3, and 4 and services the northern half of the Village, acquired the Token Creek Water District (“Token Creek”), which includes well 6, from the Town of Burke. Token Creek services the southern portion of DeForest and areas within the Town of Burke. Well 6 has never treated its water with fluoride, whereas wells 2, 3, and 4 do treat water with fluoride.
In 2021, the two water systems were merged to one unified DeForest Water Utility with the addition of a booster station to balance the differing elevations.
In 2024, the chemical pumps in wells 2, 3, and 4 began to show signs of deterioration and failure which prompted the staff to further investigate the cost to replace the pumps and consider adding fluoride, along with the facility improved necessary to store fluoride, to Well 6. Following the initial investigation and consideration of possible impacts of fluoride to health of staff, allegations of health impacts to water system users, operational concerns, and financial impacts; the proposal for removing fluoride from the system was first introduced to the Public Services Commission at its November 18, 2024 meeting and the Village Board on November 19, 2024. The full timeline of events can be found below with resources from the meetings.
Key Dates
Monday, November 18, 2024
Public Services, Parks and Natural Resources Meeting
Public Services, Parks and Natural Resources Summary and Recommendation Sheet (PDF)
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Village Board
Village Board Summary and Recommendation Sheet (PDF)
The item listed below was also shared at the meeting —click the link to review.
Village Board Meeting Recording: starting at 1:42
Monday, December 16, 2024
Public Services, Parks and Natural Resources Meeting
Public Services, Parks and Natural Resources Summary and Recommendation Sheet (PDF)
The items listed below were also shared at the meeting —click the links to review.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Community Water Fluoridation Data Snapshot (PDF)
Public Health Madison and Dane County 11.2024 (PDF)
Public Health Madison and Dane County: Community Water Fluoridation (PDF)
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Village Board Meeting
The items listed below were also shared at the meeting —click the links to review.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Community Water Fluoridation Data Snapshot (PDF)
Public Health Madison and Dane County 11.2024 (PDF)
Public Health Madison and Dane County: Community Water Fluoridation (PDF)
Tuesday, February 04, 2025
Village Board Meeting
Resolution 2025-001 (PDF)
Village Board Meeting Recording at 1:50:01
The open forum on Engage DeForest is now closed. We appreciate your participation and valuable feedback. If you would still like to submit a public comment, please complete the Public Speaking, Hearing or Information Request Form.
The Village Board meeting is on February 4, 2025 at 6pm, and we encourage you to stay involved in shaping our community. Thank you for being an active part of DeForest!
Visit Agendas and Minutes to view February 4th agenda and packet.