By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

A vote on water fluoridation in Auburn lacks teeth.

On the Sept. 12 state primary election ballot, Auburn residents will be asked whether fluoride, used in oral hygiene products because it’s believed to strengthen tooth enamel, should be used in the Manchester public water system.

Fluoride was already introduced to the Manchester water supply after an affirmative vote in 2004 by residents of Manchester, Hooksett, Bedford, Goffstown and Londonderry.

Auburn residents were denied the 2004 vote, after a court ruling saying voting towns should have 100 or more residences drawing from Manchester Water Works supply.

Auburn Town Administrator Bill Herman said fewer than 50 Auburn residents currently draw from Manchester Water Works.

“I haven’t heard of any problems here,” said Herman. “I’m not sure the homeowners here have a real problem with (fluoridation).”

Even if all the registered voters in Auburn vote “no” to fluoridation, said Herman, the results of the 2004 vote would stand.

“This vote is nothing the town of Auburn sought,” he said. “It’s on the ballot by a court order.”