NASHVILLE – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has presented Water Fluoridation Quality Awards to 70 community water systems across Tennessee.

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 2016.

“Community water fluoridation is a highly effective way to prevent tooth decay and maintain overall good health in children and adults,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “The 2016 award recipients should be commended for their high quality work and allowing all residents to enjoy the equal opportunity to maintain their optimal health through this exceptionally cost-effective benefit.”

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. The 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.

Water Fluoridation Quality Award Recipients:

Anderson County Water Authority, Athens Utilities Board, Big Creek Utility District. Brownsville Water Department, Centerville Water System , Cleveland Utilities, Clifton  Clinton Utilities Board,  Collierville Water Department,  Decherd Water Department,  Dresden Duck River Utility Commission,  Eastside Utility District, Anderson County Water Authority,  Athens Utilities Board, Big Creek Utility District,  Brownsville Water Department, Centerville Water System,  Cleveland Utilities, Clifton Clinton Utilities Board, Collierville Water Department, Decherd Water Department,  Dresden, Duck River Utility Commission,  Eastside Utility District, Elizabethton Water Department, Erwin Utilities, Estill Springs Water Department, Gallatin Gatlinburg Water Department,  Germantown Water Department,  Gladeville Utility District, Greenville Water & Light Commission, Henderson Water Department, Hendersonville Utility District,  Hixson Utility District, Huntsville Utility District, Jackson Energy Authority.

Jellico Water Department,  Johnson City Water Department, Kingsport, Kingston Water System,  LaVergne Water System,  Lafollette Utilities Board,  Lenoir City Utility Board, Livingston Water Department,  Loudon Utilities Board, Martin Water Department, Maynardville Water Department, Milan Water Department,  Monteagle Public Utility Board, Morristown, Mountain City Water Department, Murfreesboro Water Department, Naval Supply Activity – MidSouth, Newport Utilities Board, Northeast Knox Utility District,  Oakland Water Department, Parsons Water Department,  Plateau Utility District,  Puryear Water System,  Ridgely Water System,  Ripley Water System, Rutherford Water System,  Somerville Water System,  South Pittsburg Water System,  Suck Creek Water System, Sweetwater Utility Board, Tellico Area Services System, Tennessee American Water Co, Tracy City Public Utility,  Union City Water Department, Water Authority of Dickson County, Waverly Water Department,  West Knox Utility District, White House Utility District, Winchester Water System.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

*Original article online at https://www.tn.gov/health/news/2018/4/5/cdc-fluoridation-awards-presented-to-multiple-tennessee-communities.html