Fluoride

Water Fluoridation

Fluoridation is the addition of small amounts of fluoride to a water supply to achieve the optimal levels as recommended by the California Department of Public Health (DPH) to prevent tooth decay.

Padre Dam imports 100% of its drinking water from systems that fluoridate. California's fluoridated drinking water act, Assembly Bill 733, became law in 1995, requiring water systems with 10,000 or more service connections to fluoridate their water supply when funding becomes available. This has become the standard among the majority of the nation's public water suppliers.

Image of five toothbrushes

Facts on Fluoridation

  • Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the naturally occurring fluoride level to the level recommended by DPH to prevent tooth decay.
  • Most sources of drinking water naturally contain small amounts of fluoride.
  • 70% of the U.S. population lives in communities served by fluoridated water supplies.
  • Fluoridation does not change the taste, odor, or appearance of your water.

Naturally occurring fluoride levels range from 0.1 to 0.4 parts per million in our drinking water. Additional fluoride is added to reach the optimal range for dental health of 0.7 to 0.8 parts per million, in line with recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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