Waikato District ratepayers who rely on Hamilton water will get their chance to have a say on fluoridation in a survey being sent out this week.

The views on fluoride in the water supply of ratepayers who receive their water from Hamilton City Council are being sought in a survey by Waikato District Council.

Close to 2,500 ratepayers in the south and west of Waikato district will this week be sent postal surveys by the council to ensure their views on fluoride are also considered, as they will not receive Hamilton City Council’s referendum in this year’s local elections voting papers.

The City Council is holding the referendum following their decision earlier this year to end the practise of adding fluoride to their public water supply.

The properties, in Tamahere, Matangi, Puketaha, Gordonton and Te Kowhai receive water from Hamilton city through an arrangement Waikato District Council has with the city with the water being supplied through the District Council’s reticulation network.

Council chief executive Gavin Ion said the survey, which uses the same wording as Hamilton’s referendum, would ensure the voices of their ratepayers who receive water from Hamilton city were also heard. Results will shared with Hamilton City Council by the 12 October election day.

“The Council was keen to ensure our 2,500 district’s ratepayers who receive water from Hamilton city also have the opportunity to share their views on whether fluoride should or should not be added to the public water supply,” Mr Ion said.

“This is a matter of high public interest and our Council consider it important the views of our district’s residents who are affected by Hamilton City Council’s decision to remove fluoride from the water supply are also considered alongside the city’s referendum on fluoride.”

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