WATER FLUORIDATION STATUS:

• PERCENT OF PEOPLE SERVED BY PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS THAT ARE FLUORIDATED:
  2018:  31.7% – ranked #47 among the states (100% fluoridated is ranked #1)
  2016:  32.2%
  2014:  32.0%
  2012:  36.1%
  2006:  31.3%
  2000:  45.4%
  1992:  48.3%
• To see if your town is fluoridated, click here.
• To learn when your town was fluoridated, and which fluoridation chemical it uses, click here.

LATEST NEWS:

• To see the latest news on fluoride developments in Idaho, click here.
• To see an updated list of Idaho’s professionals calling for an end to fluoridation, click here.

Idaho’s FLUORIDATION LAW:

• The State of Idaho does not mandate fluoridation.  Local governments control fluoridation policy in ID.  City councils can begin or discontinue fluoridation at their discretion, or by a referendum vote.  Each community’s fluoridation ordinance is unique.  To learn more about these fluoridation ordinances, click here.

DATA ON ORAL HEALTH:

• 2008. Idaho Oral Health Plan 2008-2013. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. No mention of dental fluorosis.
• 2014. Idaho Smile Survey. 2013 Report. Prepared by Ward Ballard, Research Analyst, Principal. Idaho Department of Health & Welfare.This report was supported by the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant and the Cooperative Agreement 1U58DP004914-01 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  — Fluorosisis mentioned on pages 2, 12, 13, 20
  • The rate for severe fluorosis (teeth show brown spots or pitting) was 0.1 percent for2013 for all third-grade students
  • Percent of Idaho Third-Grade Students with Fluorosis, 2001-2013:
  2001: 8.7 %
  2005: 11.4%
  2009: 7.8%2013: 5.8%

Of Interest:

1987 Report: In the Warm Springs Creek drainage near Ketchum, Idaho (17040219), a leaking pipeline coveys geothermal water through the valley to heat nearby homes as well as to supply a resorts swimming pool. Several domestic wells in close proximity to this line have exhibited increasing fluoride levels since 1979. Developers have proposed constructing various types of resort facilities near the main geothermal source, Guyer Hot Springs. Disposal of the waste geothermal water has not been addressed, but discharge to nearby surface waters will likely be proposed. During 1987, groundwater and surface water studies were conducted for the following purposes: to characterize the valley aquifer and groundwater flows, to assess background fluoride levels, to assess sources of fluoride to the aquifer, to determine the effect of pipeline leaks on groundwater and domestic well contamination, to assess water quality impacts due to existing geothermal discharges, and to evaluate potential impacts from proposed geothermal developments. Warm Springs Creek, Trial Creek, and the Big Woods River were included in this research. Groundwater monitoring documented fluoride levels in excess of the current state maximum contaminant level at several public and private wells. Surface water data indicate that fluoride levels in the Big Wood River, Trail Creek, and Warm Springs Creek all increase in the Ketchum area as a result of geothermal water accrual. Recreational developments will likely propose geothermal wastewater discharges from existing and developed sources to Warm Springs Creek. Existing spring temperatures suggest that increased geothermal discharges to the creek may impact salmonid spawning. Warms Springs Creek Geothermal Study, Blaine County, Idaho. Burkett, G.R. and R.T. Litke. 1989. Water Quality Status Report No. 84. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality, Boise, ID. 76 pp.

1986 Report: Four drainage areas were studied in Southern Idaho (17040212, 17040213) to determine the impact of geothermal discharges on area streams. Areas studied included Big Wood River near Ketchum, Mud Creek near Buhl, Salmon Falls Creek near Castleford, and the Snake River from Twin Falls to Bliss. Geothermal discharges were found to be high in fluorides and their discharge resulted in stream fluoride concentrations which exceeded acceptable limits. Acceptable limits were set at 1 and 1.5 mg/l fluoride to protect the water for stock watering and cold water biota respectively. The 3 streams which no longer have capacity to receive additional geothermal waters include: Warm Springs Creek (near Ketchum), Mud Creek, and Salmon Falls Creek. Impacts of Geothermal Waters on Selected Streams in Southern Idaho, 1984-1985. Renk, R. 1986. Water Quality Status Report No. 60. Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environment, Boise, ID. 28 pp plus appendices.

Idaho COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE REJECTED FLUORIDATION:

IDAHO WATER SYSTEMS WITH HIGH FLUORIDE LEVELS:

FLUORIDE POLLUTION SOURCES IN IDAHO:

In 2008, Idaho ranked #43 out of 48 states for Hydrogen Fluoride releases (73,655 pounds). The following data comes from EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). “Total releases” includes both water and air pollution. It’s important to note, however, that not all industries or sources that release fluoride into the environment are included in the TRI.

Print PDF