Understanding Fluoridation
Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works Bureau of Utility Operations is committed to producing, treating and delivering safe drinking water to the residents and businesses in our community. Through the use of state of the art technology, Anne Arundel County ensures that fluoride use and dosage is fully compliant and in line with the 2015 U.S. Public Health Service and Center For Disease Control recommendations.
It is the commitment of the Department of Public Works to keep our customers informed of any developments related to drinking water treatment decisions. Our dedicated staff will continue its ongoing research related to fluoride. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that will provide a better understanding of fluoridation within the County’s water treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fluoride is a chemical ion of fluorine, which is the 13th most common element in the earth's crust. It is naturally found in almost all soil and water and many rocks. It is released into the environment when rocks or soil containing fluoride are dissolved by water. It can also be released from volcanic emissions or through man-made processes.
Fluoride combines with outer enamel tooth layers, preventing cavities by making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Almost all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually at levels too low to prevent cavities. Many communities add a small amount of fluoride to the water supply to prevent cavities and promote good oral health.
Fluoride has been used in water treatment for many decades. It's a proven process that provides dental protection from cavities and is endorsed by the American Dental Association, American Water Works Association and public health groups worldwide. In 2015, the U.S Public Health Service (USPHS) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) advised all water systems to lower fluoride concentrations to 0.7 mg/l. Anne Arundel County's goal concentration level/residual was reduced in 2015 from 1.0 mg/l down to 0.7 mg/l in order to provide the highest quality of drinking water for the constituents of Anne Arundel County. Through the use of state of the art technology Anne Arundel County ensures that fluoride use and dosage is fully compliant and in line with the 2015 recommendations. Anne Arundel County utilizes Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Control (PLC) software, and Pace to Flow controls to accurately control & monitor fluoride dosage rates and applications. Anne Arundel County collects & analyzes distribution water quality samples weekly in order to maintain full drinking water compliance as required by state and federal regulatory agencies.
Fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste work together to prevent cavities. Fluoridated water keeps a low level of fluoride in the mouth all day. Fluoride toothpaste provides a much higher concentration at important times of day (e.g., bedtime). Both types of fluoride strengthen the outer tooth enamel and slow the activity of bacteria that cause cavities. Together, the two sources offer more protection than using either one alone.
The Anne Arundel County Consumer Confidence Report is produced each year to ensure specific health standards are met. The report details how your drinking water is treated and contains information on the amount of fluoride added during the treatment process.