The Federal Department of Health and Human Services recently recommended that community water systems reduce the amount of fluoride added to their water systems to 0.7 milligrams per liter, or parts per million, as the optimal fluoride level to prevent tooth decay. “Dublin San Ramon Services District customers can expect no immediate change to fluoridation levels in their water supply,” said Chief Water Operator Jim Dryden in response to this new recommendation from the Federal government.

According to Dryden, DSRSD maintains fluoridation levels from 0.7 to 1.3 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water by following the standards established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). CDPH established this range based on the annual average of maximum daily air temperatures, 70.7 to 79.2 degrees Fahrenheit in the Tri-Valley. “Typically, DSRSD targets the fluoride dose from 0.8 to 0.9 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water,” said Dryden. The District is obligated to continue to operate with this dosing range until the CDPH changes the regulations. Since 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service has recommended that community drinking water should contain 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water.

On December 3, 1974, the Board of Directors adopted Resolution Number 74-44 to fluoridate the District’s water supply. This action was based upon the passage of Measure K (on the ballot of the general election held on November 5, 1974) which directed the District to initiate fluoridation. The measure passed with 57.6% of the vote: 61.0% in Alameda County and 54.0% in Contra Costa County.

Fluoridation facilities were installed and placed into operation at Turnout Number 1, in 1977, at Turnout Number 2, in 1984, and at Turnout Number 4, on January 4, 2002, and at Turnout Number 5, on October 16, 2007. Fluoride, in the form of hydrofluorosilicic acid, or fluosilicic acid, is added to the water system at low concentrations to prevent tooth decay.

The District regularly takes water samples and tests them for water quality: 60 sites located throughout the service area are sampled monthly with daily field samples pulled from different sample sites. This methodology was established in the District’s Fluoride Monitoring Plan which was approved by the CDPH.

About DSRSD

Founded in 1953, Dublin San Ramon Services District serves 145,000 people, providing potable and recycled water service to Dublin and the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon, wastewater collection and treatment to Dublin and south San Ramon, and wastewater treatment to Pleasanton by contract. For more information about fluoride in DSRSD’s water system, please contact Chief Water Operator Jim Dryden at (925)875-2367.

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