Maintaining a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water has earned half a dozen water systems in Michigan’s Great Southwest recognition from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, including those in St. Joseph and Benton Charter Township. They are among 51 across Michigan to gain the award according to the state.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced this afternoon that 51 water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The award recognizes those communities that “maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout 2018.” There were a total of 1,656 water systems in 30 states who received the award including the following Southwest Michigan systems:
- Allegan
- Bangor
- Benton Township
- Hartford
- New Buffalo Water Treatment
- St. Joseph
Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. It has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective and inexpensive method of preventing decay. In fact, they report, “Every $1 invested in fluoridation saves at least $38 in costs for dental treatment.”
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, says, “Michigan consistently exceeds the CDC recommendations for community water supplies by having 90-percent of our population on community water systems accessing fluoridated water,” and concludes, “These awards demonstrate the commitment to quality by these community water systems. Water fluoridation benefits all residents of a community and it has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one’s lifetime.”
For more information about community water fluoridation, you can visit the CDC website online.
