Water Systems Recognized for Fluoridation

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced 13 water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Those awarded include the Sallisaw and Poteau water systems.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities which achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2017.

For 2017, a total of 1,499 public water systems in 30 states received these awards, including 13 in Oklahoma.

“The OSDH supports community water fluoridation and recognizes the practice as beneficial to all who drink and use the water,” said Dr. Jana Winfree, OSDH Director of Dental Health Service. “Preventive dental care programs, such as community water fluoridation, make a real difference in improving the health of Oklahomans.”

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens," said Casey Hannan, Acting Director, CDC Division of Oral Health. "It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults. Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.”

The following water systems received awards:

Bartlesville

Chickasha Municipal Authority

Madill

Muskogee

Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority (OOWA) - Pryor

Oklahoma City – Draper Water Treatment Plant

Oklahoma State University – Stillwater

Ponca City Municipal Water

Poteau Valley Improvement Authority (PVIA)

City of Sand Springs

Sallisaw

Tulsa – A.B. Jewell

Tulsa – Mohawk

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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