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High-quality Water and the Fluoridation Process

For almost 75 years, OUC has implemented low levels of fluoridation into the water treatment process in response to decades of scientific research showing the role of fluoride as a safe, effective tool in promoting lifelong dental health.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is an abundant natural element found in rocks, soil, and in some untreated water drawn from the Floridan Aquifer.

Research into the benefits of fluoride began in 1901, when dentist Frederick McKay noticed that residents of an isolated community in Colorado had unusually strong, decay-resistant teeth. Over the following decades, scientists realized the difference was in what they were drinking: the town’s water supply contained higher levels of naturally occurring fluoride.

Over the following decades, additional studies found that fluoride at safe concentrations (through toothpaste, dental treatments and fluoridated water) can prevent, inhibit, and reverse early stages of tooth decay.

The CDC considers community water fluoridation to be one of the 20th century’s greatest public health interventions, and according to the American Dental Association, community water fluoridation prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults throughout life.

Is Fluoride Safe?

Fluoride is safe, nontoxic and effective when water is treated in accordance with public health guidelines, and rigorous research continues to show that drinking water with recommended fluoride levels is safe for all ages. The CDC, U.S. Public Health Service, and American Dental Association strongly recommend fluoridated water as an important safeguard for public health. In mayo 2024, expert panels of scientists from the U.S. and other countries in the Community Preventive Services Task Force analyzed all available peer-reviewed literature and found no convincing evidence linking fluoridation to adverse health effects.

Like any mineral, fluoride can be dangerous when consumed in unsafe amounts. Recent news reports on the safety of water fluoridation focus on significantly higher concentrations of fluoride (more than 1.5 mg/L). However, the recent National Toxicology Program monograph featured in these reports did not assess or analyze any health risks associated with standard community water fluoridation.

How Does Fluoride Work?

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on the traces of sugar left behind after eating or drinking. The bacteria produce acid that gradually dissolves the hard enamel of the teeth, weakening it and eventually creating a cavity.

Fluoride helps to combat the early stages of tooth decay by adding minerals back to teeth weakened by acid. This can be done by topical treatment (through fluoridated toothpaste or fluoride treatments by a dentist) and by drinking water that contains low levels of fluoride throughout the day.

Why do Communities Fluoridate Water?

Currently, approximately 75% of utilities nationwide, including OUC, add fluoride to their potable water systems to help prevent tooth decay in children and adults.

By adding a small amount of fluoride to large quantities of water, utilities can achieve the optimal level recommended by public health organizations.
Fluoridated water benefits everyone in the community by providing equal access to dental health benefits regardless of socioeconomic status, education, or insurance.

To learn more about fluoridation standards, visit the websites for the CDC, the U.S. Public Health Service, the American Dental Association, and the World Health Organization.

How Much Fluoride is in OUC’s Water?

En OUC, nuestro objetivo es ofrecer agua limpia, segura y de excelente sabor a los clientes. We maintain fluoride levels at 0.7 mg/L, which is the optimal concentration recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Public Health Service.

Fluoride occurs naturally in the Floridan Aquifer at varying concentrations, both higher and lower than the recommended amount. On average, the untreated water that OUC draws from the Floridan Aquifer has a baseline fluoride level of 0.14 mg/L.

Will OUC Continue to Fluoridate Water?

As of septiembre 2024, a ruling in a California federal court required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the safety of fluoride and update recommendations for community water fluoridation. OUC will follow the investigation closely and comply with any federal requirements to continue serving Central Florida customers with safe, pure, great-tasting water.

How Can I Learn More About my Drinking Water?

For further information about water quality and treatment at OUC, all annual Water Quality Reports from 2005 through 2023 can be found online.