The city of Coon Rapids has been recognized for its water fluoridation quality by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the 2011 Water Fluoridation Quality Award, the CDC commends the city’s water system “for its consistent and professional adjustment of the water fluoride content to the optimum level or oral health for 12 consistent months.”

“Consistent, high quality water fluoridation practice, as demonstrated by this water system, is a safe and effective method to prevent tooth decay improving the oral health of community residents of all ages,” the award states.

The CDC award came from the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) oral health program and drinking water protection section.

According to Merry Jo Thoele, MDH oral disease prevention unit director, and Randy Ellingboe, drinking water protection section manager, the CDC initiated the water fluoridation quality award in 2002 to recognize outstanding performance by water systems.

For calendar year 2011, Minnesota was one of 29 states using the water fluoridation reporting system to earn this award, Thoele and Ellingboe stated in the letter to the city announcing the award.

“Awards can be a good tool for promoting water fluoridation and we hope this award will provide you with an opportunity to highlight the excellent work being done by your system,” they said.

“Congratulations on this outstanding performance and thank you for providing safe, dependable drinking water for your community.”

The city’s utilities division maintains 24 groundwater wells which pump more than three billion gallons of water annually.

Over 31,000 customers are served by 290.7 miles of water main, two water treatment plants, three elevated storage tanks and two ground storage reservoirs.

*Original article online at https://www.hometownsource.com/abc_newspapers/coon-rapids-recognized-for-water-quality/article_9208f4d8-ee83-5c77-9e49-be42f2dc8345.html

Print PDF