The Lithgow City Council says it is aiming to improve dental health in the region by adding fluoride to drinking water.

The fluoridation of the Farmers Creek Water Supply is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The council says the fluoridation of drinking water remains the most significant dental public health program in the country.

The Mayor, Maree Statham, says while it has been a divisive issue, the change will be good for the community.

“It’s going ahead and it’ll be hopefully in the water by December,” she said.

“I think it is important, it has been a contentious issue, but I think most families would like to see it in the water for their children’s teeth.

State Water has also agreed in-principle to a similar scheme for the Fish River supply.

Mayor Statham says it is a milestone for the community.

“The resolution was that this will go ahead of course and that it will now be hopefully in operation in the next few weeks.

“There’ll be fluoride in the water very, very soon.”