Water Fluoridation Outcomes
- More than 70 years of practical experience has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation. Community water fluoridation (CWF) is the foundation of a community approach to reducing the burden of tooth decay for all members of the community — regardless of socioeconomic status.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has proclaimed fluoridation one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
- In 2022, 72% of the U.S. population served by public water supplies received fluoridated water in their homes.
- Since 1995, California law mandates CWF for water districts with more than 10,000 service connections where outside funding is available. You can visit the Casetext website to learn more about water fluoridation systems.
- In California,the population served by public water supplies increased from 17% in 1994 to 58% in 2022; benefitting over 21 million people (more than any other state in the U.S.).
Addressing Fluoridation in Local Communities
- County oral health programs play a leadership role in informing the local community about the benefits, safety and cost-effectiveness of fluoridating the water.
- Strategic planning to implement fluoridation is found in the Fluoridation Manual.
You can view a video about Water Fluoridation by clicking here.
Water Fluoridation Resources and Publications
- COHTAC Lunch and Learn: Introducing California Fluoridation Manual
- COHTAC Share & Learn: Let's Talk About Community Water Fluoridation
- Fluoride Prevention Programs
- All About Fluoride and How to Take Action on Water Fluoridation
- American Dental Association
- California Public Water Systems - Is My Water Supply Fluoridated?
- CDC My Water's Fluoride
- Campaign for Dental Health: life is better with teeth
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Chief Dental Officers' Statement of Support of Community Water Fluoridation Commemorating the 75th Anniversary
- Fluoridation Learning Online (FLO): CDC Water Fluoridation Training Course
- American Fluoridation Society
Useful Information and Links for Operators
Water treatment plant operators provide the expertise to properly and safely operate the fluoridation process in compliance with regulatory requirements. Operators must be knowledgeable on a range of critical information. The public water system is responsible for ensuring that operators are adequately trained in accordance with regulatory and permit requirements.
The Fluoridation Essential Information for Operators and Managers Training PowerPoint presentation below takes a deeper dive into regulatory requirements and available resources from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and other sources.
