Why is fluoride added to drinking water?
All water naturally contains some fluoride, leaching into the water from fluoride-containing rock formations. According to a study by the United States Geological Survey measuring the occurrence of fluoride in United States groundwater, over 500 wells were sampled in the state of Massachusetts and the average fluoride concentration was approximately 0.04 milligrams per liter of water (mg/L). This is well below the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended fluoridation concentration of 0.7 mg/L, which research has shown can reduce tooth decay by about 25% in children and adults. Therefore, to provide dental benefit, fluoride must be added to the water supply. Water fluoridation is very cost effective as well, with an estimated return on investment of $20 – $32 in reduced dental treatment costs for every $1 spent on water fluoridation.
Does the Acton Water District add fluoride to drinking water?
Yes. The Acton Board of Health voted in 1970 to adjust the fluoride level in drinking water to prevent tooth decay/cavities. In response to a 2015 letter from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding updated community water fluoridation recommendations, the Acton BOH voted to adopt the CDC’s recommended adjusted optimal fluoride dose of 0.7 mg/L on June 8, 2015. We implemented this adjusted dose at all our treatment plants in 2015.
Are there any health risks of too much fluoride?
Yes. Although it is necessary to humans in small amounts, fluoride can be harmful in large amounts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride at 4.0 mg/L. Prolonged exposure to levels of fluoride exceeding this MCL can cause skeletal fluorosis, a serious and crippling bone disorder. In addition, children exposed to levels of fluoride over 2.0 mg/L for an extended period of time may develop dental fluorosis, a brown staining or pitting of their permanent teeth. Dental fluorosis can only occur if developing teeth (teeth that have not yet erupted from the gums) are exposed to high levels of fluoride. According to the National Cancer Institute, fluoridated water is in no way associated with cancer risk.
What is the typical level of fluoride in Acton’s water?
The Acton Water District’s water generally contains 0.7 mg/L of fluoride, ranging from 0.65 mg/L to 0.76 mg/L. At 0.7 mg/L, the level of fluoride is high enough to significantly reduce tooth decay, but it is still well below the level (2.0 mg/L) where it has been known to stain children’s teeth.
