To Fluoridate or Not...That is the Question

The history of water fluoridation in the US goes back to around 1945 where it was first introduced into drinking water supplies in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was initially believed that adding fluoride to drinking water in small concentrations where it did not occur naturally would strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. The US Center for Disease Control reported in 2020 that nearly 73% of the US population are receiving fluoridated water through public water systems.  Washington lags that statistic with 65% of the public water systems adding fluorine to their drinking water treatment processes. Camas currently adds fluorine to its drinking water supplies. 

Like so many other chemicals we once thought could be safely added to our food or water supplies as a benefit to our health, studies on chemicals like fluoride have produced new adverse health findings which are causing water providers to question whether or not to add it to water. In September of 2024, CNN Health reported that a Federal judge "ordered the US EPA to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children." The findings from the judge may have been partly influenced from results of a US government report released in August 2024 by the US Department of Health and Human Services that can be found here. 

So the question at this point is whether or not there is a SAFE level of fluoride that can provide a demonstrable health benefit, while not posing adverse health risks especially to children. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and EPA currently state that the addition of fluroide is a "community choice" and is not required, however, if fluoride IS added, there are DOH requirements for sampling, monitoring and notification about fluoride levels in drinking water. IF there is one thing certain, it's that there is a considerable amount of present uncertainty about the addition of fluoride and the City is contemplating whether or not it should be added in the future. 

In the Camas Consumer Confidence Report for 2023 (an annual water quality report for our drinking water), the levels of fluoride tested in our water ranged from 0.13 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 1.11 mg/L. Washington code (WAC 246-290-460) states the optimal fluoride concentration is 0.7 mg/L and provides an operating tolerance between 0.5 mg/L to 0.9 mg/L. The City is required to conduct daily monitoring, taking fluoride samples downstream from the injection point and submitting monthly reports to DOH. 

It is worth following this important topic as it develops given the uncertainty of future drinking water regulations juxtaposed with potential health concerns. There will likely be a public hearing in on March 17, 2025 at 7 pm where citizens can weigh in on whether or not fluoridation in Camas should continue. For additional information, go to page 46 of this LINK to see the Public Works Department's recent presentation on Water System Fluoridation to the City Council and for the upcoming meeting details see click on this LINK