State recognizes several water system companies in Jo Daviess County

JO DAVIESS COUNTY-The state honored five water companies serving Jo Daviess County.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) along with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) presented fluoridation awards to 435 community water systems throughout the state for maintaining state-mandated fluoride levels every month in 2008.

In Jo Daviess County, those companies were:

• Bahl Water Corp., which has been honored from 2006 to 2008;

• EMC, which serves Galena, and has been honored from 2000 to 2008;

• the Stockton Water Department, which has been honored from 2005 to 2008;

• Utilities Inc., which serves Apple Canyon and Galena Territory, and has been honored from 2004 to 2008; and

• the Warren Water Department, which has been honored from 2004 to 2008.

“Community water fluoridation is an efficient, economical way to promote dental health. We applaud the communities who fulfill the state mandated levels of fluoride in their water systems and encourage them to continue their efforts,” said Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director. “Water fluoridation is an effective way to prevent tooth decay and improve overall oral health for both children and adults.”

Of those recognized, 108 systems earned a commendation for meeting state recommended fluoride levels of 0.9 to 1.2 parts per million for at least five consecutive years; 78 for at least 10 years; 46 for at least 15 years; eight for at least 20 years and three for at least 25 years. Another 106 received honorable mention for meeting state recommended fluoride levels 11 of 12 months in 2008. In Jo Daviess County, those companies were the East Dubuque Water Department and the Hanover Water Department.

Fluoride in drinking water helps improve the quality of life through less tooth decay, reduced time lost from school and work, and less money spent to restore, remove or replace decayed teeth. In Illinois, 99 percent of those served by public water systems receive the benefit of fluoridated drinking water compared to the current national average of 66 percent. Fluoride is found naturally in water, but in many communities the amount of the mineral is too low and does not meet the required standards. Of the 1,850 water supplies in Illinois, 853 systems adjust fluoride levels.

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