HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/16/2024 - Work Study - Add'L Docs - FluroideFluoridation of Drinking Water
July 16, 2024
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What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that protects teeth from tooth decay. Almost all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually not enough to prevent tooth decay.
Many communities adjust the amount of fluoride in the water supply to a level known to reduce tooth decay and promote good oral health.
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Washington State does not require public water systems to add fluoride to drinking water. The decision to fluoridate drinking water is a local community decision.
After a community makes the decision to fluoridate its drinking water, Washington State Department of Health provides technical assistance to ensure fluoridation treatment is designed,
installed, and operated in a manner that meets fluoride safety standards. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-290-460, Fluoridation of drinking water, sets the allowed fluoridation
concentration range for water systems that add fluoride to their water for dental health benefits.
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Naturally Occurring Fluoride by County
Operating tolerance of 0.5 to 0.9 mg/L.
Optimal fluoride concentration is 0.7 mg/L.
City of Port Orchard’s approximate amount of naturally occurring fluoride is 0.25 mg/L.
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Recent Legislative Changes for Public Water Systems
During this past Legislative Session, House Bill 1251 was passed and signed by Governor Inslee on April 20, 2023. The purpose of this bill is to set notification requirements for public
water systems that want to start adding fluoride to their drinking water, or systems that would like to discontinue adding fluoride to their drinking water. Starting July 23, 2023,
public water systems considering starting or discontinuing fluoridation of their water on a continuing basis must notify their customers and ODW, at least 90 days prior to a vote or
decision on the matter.
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Sources of Fluoride
Human Activities:
Phosphate Rock Mining and Processing
Phosphate Fertilizers
Aluminum Manufacturing
Natural Sources:
Weathering of Rocks
Volcanic Emissions
Marine Aerosols
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Questions?
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