On Tuesday, Newton WaterWorks adjusted dosage levels of fluoride so that the final concentration is 0.7 parts per million (ppm) in finished water. The previous dosage was in the range of 1 to 1.2 ppm, while natural levels of fluoride in Newton’s well water is .4 ppm.

The adjustment is in accordance to recent recommendations by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, American Dental Association, American Water Works Association and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

According to HHS and EPA, the adjustment will maximize the health benefits of water fluoridation, an important tool in the prevention of tooth decay, while reducing the possibility of children receiving too much fluoride.

The 0.7 ppm adjustment continues to promote the importance of community water fluoridation as a means to decrease dental decay while accounting for the presence of other fluoride containing products and exposure.

Print PDF