Fluoridation Update:

Starting on November 19, 2007, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California began adding supplemental fluoride to the drinking water it distributes to area water districts, including SMWD. As a result, the fluoride levels in your drinking water will increase from the current range of .15 to .22 parts per million, to the target range of .7 to 1.2 parts per million—the amount considered optimum to prevent dental decay.

The California State Legislature voted in 1995 to require supplemental fluoride in drinking water supplies.

According to studies conducted by dental associations, water fluoridation is the single most cost-effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.  Extensive studies have found that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reverses newly formed cavities, especially in children.  In addition, fluoride prevents cavities in the root surfaces of teeth for older adults when their gums start to recede.

For these reasons, Metropolitan’s Fluoridation Implementation Plan has received the approval of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health.  It has the unanimous support of the California Dental Association.

Although the State Legislature mandated that water agencies add supplemental fluoride to drinking water more than ten years ago, the regulations stated that agencies could postpone fluoridation until the State provided funding for the required equipment and expenses. To date, MWD has not received adequate funding to implement the state’s policy.  However, after receiving pressure from public health groups to add fluoride, MWD decided to move forward with water supply fluoridation without state funding. The California Dental Association Foundation has agreed to pay all costs associated with the installation of MWD’s fluoridation equipment and as a result, SMWD customers will not see a rate increase as a result of this process.

SMWD was not directly involved in the decision to fluoridate water, so if you have concerns about fluoridation or would like more information, please visit MWD’s Fluoridation Facts page or visit the Center for Disease Control web site. Some additional information is also available at our Fluoride FAQ.

You can also call the California Department of Public Health at (916) 445-4171 or get in touch with your Assembly Person or State Senator.