The New South Wales Government has given the green light to a controversial decision to fluoridate the Eurobodalla water supply.

Moves to introduce the tooth decay fighting chemical began last year after representations by the Australian Dental Association and the Health Department in response to a reported low standard of dental and oral health in the shire.

The decision to seek Government approval was made after public consultation which saw opposing groups involved in bitter campaigns.

The council’s group manager of water and waste, Greg Searle, says fluoride will be introduced into the supply as part of a planned upgraded of the shire’s water system.

“Eurobodalla Shire Council will fluoridate it’s water supply by December 2010. This will mean that our northern water treatment plant, which will be coming online around July 2010, will have fluoridation upon its commissioning and to ensure that the entire water supply for the shire is consistent,” he said.