Carnarvon residents have until the end of the month to make a submission on plans to introduce fluoride into the town’s water.

At the end of last year the Western Australian Health Department announced a plan to fluoridate water in Carnarvon.

Residents opposed to the plan formed an action group and argue the chemical compound is a poison and causes adverse health effects.

The group’s Dave Bauer says the town rejected similar plans about 30 years ago.

“We’re quietly confident that we will come out on top again, a second time, we’re really wondering why they’re back here because there is nothing from the community suggesting we want it,” he said.

State Health Minister Kim Hames says the plan to fluoridate Carnarvon’s water will be reconsidered if it is met with strong opposition.

“Fluoride is, in our view, mitigating the risk of getting dental disease. But people can get fluoride from other sources and for those communities that are strongly opposed, we have no plans to shove it down their neck,” he said.

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