Fluoridation of drinking water supplies is strongly encouraged by state and federal regulatory agencies and public health organizations. As a public water supplier, Cary relies on this type of guidance and professional technical support provided by organizations including the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to help us properly apply water treatment technologies.

AWWA maintains regular contact with organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA) on drinking water treatment practices. At this time all of these public health organizations continue to support drinking water fluoridation and promote its public health benefits.

The goal of fluoride treatment is to add the optimal amount of fluoride needed to help prevent tooth decay and promote good dental hygiene. In January 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed recommended optimal level of 0.7 mg/L for fluoride in drinking water to replace the previous federal recommended range of 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L. The State of North Carolina also issued a statement supporting the new recommended level.

In February 2011, the Public Water Supply Section of the NC Division of Water Resources permitted the Town of Cary to adjust its treatment process to achieve a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L in its treated water.

Cary’s water is fluoridated in strict accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements and guidelines. Fluoride levels in the treated water are measured daily and the levels are reported to the State’s Public Water Supply Section monthly.

Cary will continue monitoring important public health effects research which affects drinking water treatment and will consider such information while following the guidance of our regulatory authorities and the AWWA in making decisions regarding the treatment of our community’s water supply.

Related Links

US EPA Information on Fluoride in Drinking Water

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Public Water Supply Section, Position Statement

American Water Works Association Policy Statement on Fluoridation of Drinking Water

American Dental Association Fluoridation Facts

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Community Water Fluoridation

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services News Release

Contact

Jamie Revels, P.E.
Utilities Director
jamie.revels@carync.gov
(919) 469-4303
400 James Jackson Avenue
Cary, NC 27513

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