F23
Issued 1/7/2004

91 Hammond Avenue, PO Box 456
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone 02 6922 0608 Fax: 02 6921 2241
Email: admin@rwcc.com.au

What is fluoridated water?

Water is generally regarded as fluoridated if in each litre there is a milligram of fluoride (referred to as 1 mg per litre). That is, 1 millionth of each litre is fluoride.

Most naturally occurring water contains some fluoride, particularly if it is from underground. For example, water supply to the township of Holbrook has a natural fluoride content of 1mg per litre.

Some Wagga Wagga waters contain 50% to 80% of this desired fluoride content, and so Riverina Water only need add a small amount more to bring it to the desired level.

Why add fluoride to the water?

Dental experts throughout the world agree that if drinking water contains the above levels of fluoride, there will be a significant reduction in tooth decay in children. Tooth decay will also be reduced in their adult life.

Fluoride forms a protective coating around the teeth, increasing the strength of tooth enamel.

Is fluoride safe?

Fluoride is widely dispersed in the environment and is present in most foodstuffs. As previously mentioned, it also quite often occurs naturally in water. At the levels mentioned above, fluoride is perfectly safe.

The addition of fluoride to the water is regulated by the NSW Health Department and legislated guidelines must be followed. The fluoride is added in strictly controlled amounts and final water quality is monitored every day.

Are all Riverina Water supplies fluoridated? Not all our waters are fluoridated.

Fluoridated waters are in Wagga Wagga, San Isidore, Ladysmith, Mangoplah, Pleasant Hills, Holbrook, the Bulgary, Lockhart, Urana, Oaklands system, and the Wagga Wagga - Walla Walla and Wagga Wagga - Milbrulong rural systems.

Those locations not fluoridated are Oura, Collingullie, Tarcutta, Humula, Rand, Morundah, Walbundrie and Woomargama.

If you live in a non-fluoridated area, your dentist can advise on the most appropriate way to gain the tooth protection offered by fluoride.

Riverina Water County Council can be contacted on telephone 02 69220608