Advisory is lifted on fluoride spill

The fluoride spill advisory that was issued for Parleys Creek has been lifted, according to Stephanie Duer, public information officer for the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities.

On Friday, nearly 1,500 gallons of fluoride poured from the Parleys Water Treatment Plant, some of it flowing into the creek. The spill was termed an overflow.

Most of the chemical was contained in a pond below the treatment plant and was being treated with a base solution to neutralize the acidic fluid. More water was being released to the stream to dilute the fluoride.

While the municipal water supply was not in danger, the city's public utilities department and the Salt Lake County Health Department advised people and pets to stay out of the creek. Otherwise, they could contact fluoride that could cause skin irritations and confront higher water flows as more water was flushed through the stream.

The advisory included Parleys Creek below the water treatment plant, through Tanner Park, Sugarhouse Park, Hidden Hollow and the Jordan River. Experts had expected the advisory to remain in effect until Tuesday.

However, on Sunday, Duer said the advisory was lifted. Testing showed fluoride levels have remained within what is allowed for drinking water. "Parks are being informed and advisory signs are being removed," she said in an e-mail notice.

"There have been no reports of damage to wildlife, aquatic life or surrounding environments."