Defluoridation is the removal of excess fluoride from water. Naivasha Water and Sanitation Company (NAIVAWASCO) has a Defluoridation Project in place in one of our production sites, Karate. Through this project, we ensure that our customers receive quality water with the right amounts of fluoride.

Defluoridation occurs when water with high levels of fluoride is passed through vessels containing the Hydroxyl Apatite (HAP). HAP has a high affinity of fluoride ions which allows it to remove fluoride as water is flowing through under high pressure.

Consuming water with high levels of fluoride can have serious effects such as fluorosis which affects the teeth and bones. Dental fluorosis is characterized by brown stained teeth whereas in skeletal fluorosis, the early symptoms include stiffness and pain in the joints. In severe cases, the bone structure may change and muscles may harden, which results in impairment of muscles and pain.  Other effects of high fluoride intake include abdominal pain, excessive saliva, nausea and vomiting. Seizures and muscle spasms may also occur.

Control of water quality (Defluoridation and Treatment) is important in fluorosis prevention. The Defluoridation Project is designed to enable NAIVAWASCO to provide the best possible quality water to safeguard its customers’ health and fulfill is mandate in water provision.