Washoe County voters will give their opinions at the ballot box this fall about whether public water systems should have fluoridation.

The Washoe County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to include the advisory fluoride question on the Nov. 5 ballot. The vote is not binding.

But local water providers cannot pursue fluoridation of public water supplies without approval of county voters.

ÒIt gives people making the decisions on this issue a basis as to whether or not they are reflecting public opinion,Ó Commissioner Jim Galloway said.

The Washoe District Board of Health urged the county commission in December to put the question to a vote of county residents.

County health officials said fluoride occurs naturally in water supplies. They said fluoride would not be added to the water supply, rather the levels would be adjusted to meet the optimum level for the prevention of dental decay.

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