JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has announced that Perryville and 14 other Missouri public water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay.

The award recognizes those communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2018.

In addition to Perryville the award winners are:

Branson,

Brookfield,

Cameron,

Cole County PWSD #1 – Jefferson City,

Cole County PWSD #4 – Jefferson City,

Eureka,

Fort Leonard Wood,

Hannibal,

Jefferson County PWSD #8 – Cedar Hill,

Liberty,

Miner,

Slater,

Saint Joseph,

Unionville,

For 2018, a total of 1,656 public water systems in 30 states received these awards, including those in Missouri.

“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults.” states Casey Hannan, MPH, Acting Director, CDC Division of Oral Health.

Fluoridation is highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every dollar a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.

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.

*Original article, titled CDC honors Perryville for its fluoridation quality, online at http://www.suntimesnews.com/perryville/news/2019/11-November/1125cdc.htm