CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Fluoridation of Charlotte Drinking Water Supply

Monday, June 23, 2014

Resource(s):

Barry Gullet, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department

Dr. Marcus Plescia, Mecklenburg County Health Department

Dr. Stephen R. Keener, Mecklenburg County Health Department

Time 25 minutes

Synopsis

• The presentation will provide the City Council an overview of the fluoridation program.

• The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department adds fluorosilicic acid (fluoride) during the drinking water treatment process to promote dental health.

• The activity is recommended by the Mecklenburg County Health Department, and it is performed in compliance with standards set forth by public health and environmental regulators.

•  The amount of fluoride added to Charlotte’s tap water is consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and health official recommendations — about 0.7 parts per million, or milligrams per liter, which is equivalent to less than a penny out of $10,000 or less than one minute out of two years.

•  The water fluoridation program has been in place since 1949, and partners in the medical community recognize it as an important part of protecting public health.=

Future Action

The presentation is for information only.