FLUORIDATION of Geelong’s water supply will start in three weeks.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, announced the move today, ending years of debate over the issue.

Dr Lester said water fluoridation at one part per million helped protect teeth against decay and was the safest way for everyone to access the benefits of fluoride.

She said fluoridation of Geelong’s water supply would start in the week from Monday, June 22.

Barwon Water will be required to carry out the fluoride dosing, and has built new facilities at the Wurdee Boluc and Moorabool water treatment plants, to the west and north of Geelong.