The amount of fluoride in the city of San Diego’s water system will be increased beginning Tuesday, the Public Utilities Department announced Monday.

The higher fluoride levels are to be phased in over the next month, with the first additive going into the Miramar Water Treatment Plant, which serves the northern area of the city including La Jolla.

Fluoride will go into the plant at Lake Murray, serving central San Diego, on Feb. 8 and into the Otay Water Treatment Plant, which serves southern San Diego, in mid-February.

San Diego’s system also delivers water to the cities of Coronado, Del Mar and Imperial Beach.

Fluoridation was planned to begin just before Christmas, but was delayed for more testing and training.

Fluoride is an additive that has gone into water in many areas for decades. It occurs naturally in small amounts, and some is added to water imported to San Diego. However, more is required to meet standards of the state Department of Public Health.

Supporters say fluoride is critical to the dental health of children, while some activists claim fluoride is linked to cancer.

San Diego’s water system was exempted from the state regulations until sufficient outside funding could be secured to add fluoride. Funding was obtained from the First 5 Commission of San Diego County, which offered more than $3.9 million to operate and maintain three water treatment plants.

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Note: See http://www.first5sandiego.org/faq

What is First 5 San Diego?
First 5 San Diego educates and helps parents and others help children during these early years. We are committed to the vision that all San Diego children will enter kindergarten “Ready to Succeed.”

What is the mission of First 5 San Diego?
The First 5 Commission of San Diego County leads the San Diego community in promoting the vital importance of the first 5 years of life to the well-being of children, families and society.

Where does First 5 San Diego get it’s funding?
First 5 Commission of California takes the 50¢ a pack cigarette tax enacted by Prop 10 in 1998 and disperses the money to help children 0-5 years old and their families.”

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