Fluoride
Information about water fluoridation is presented below for the benefit of our customers. For questions or concerns that are not addressed by the FAQs below, please contact us using the link at the bottom of this page.
When did OMWD begin adding fluoride to its water?
Olivenhain Municipal Water District began fluoridating its water on July 24, 2013.
How much fluoride is
in OMWD’s water?
OMWD targets the community water fluoridation level of 0.7 parts per million, or 0.7 mg/L, as recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The level of fluoride found in OMWD’s water will continue to be published annually in our Consumer Confidence Report.
Is fluoridation safe?
Yes. The California Department of Public Health has determined that the concentration of fluoride in community drinking water maintained at 0.7 parts per million represents no health hazards. Furthermore, the World Health Organization’s guideline for fluoride concentration levels in water is recommended at or below 1.5 mg/L.
Community water fluoridation is supported by most major national and international health service organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Dental Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the World Health Organization. In fact, the CDC recognized drinking water fluoridation as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has not recognized claims that low-level fluoride exposure is linked to occurrences of cancer, brain damage, or osteoporosis.
In addition, no evidence exists that indicates fluoridated water at the levels prescribed for human consumption is harmful to animals or pets, including aquarium fish.
Why is OMWD adding
fluoride to its water?
OMWD fluoridates its water to comply with state law (Health & Safety Code §§116409-116415). Most water providers in San Diego County are currently serving fluoridated water. OMWD’s neighbors in the City of San Diego, City of Carlsbad, Vallecitos Water District, and Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District service areas all serve fluoridated water. This regional consistency allows OMWD to provide water treated at its David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant to these municipalities, thus allowing OMWD to operate its treatment plant at full capacity to the benefit of its customers.
What if I do not want
to drink fluoridated water?
Customers that are concerned about fluoride in their drinking water may consider the installation of a home water filter using reverse osmosis or distillation technology.
Customers may also choose to drink bottled water that has been treated through reverse osmosis or distillation. Not all brands of bottled water are treated through these processes, and many may contain fluoride. Customers are advised to call the consumer information number on the bottle’s label to determine the level of fluoride.
Where can I find additional information?
To find additional information about fluoridation, please visit the following websites:
• California Department of Public Health
• Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
• San Diego County Water Authority
• Your state legislators may be able to provide additional information about the California law that requires fluoridation.
• Customers with questions are also invited to send us a message.
