Community Water Fluoridation is a small portion of the public health work that water operators do to keep water safe, but they may not realize the impact they have on the oral health of their community. The following information includes up-to-date national and Iowa-specific resources to help water operators ensure the health and safety of communities they serve.
Water Fluoridation FAQs
Community Water Fluoridation is a small portion of the public health work that water operators do to keep water safe.
A safe and effective public health intervention that prevents 25% of tooth decay for all age groups
The adjustment of the fluoride level to just the right amount to prevent cavities
One of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century - doing more to prevent cavities than any other public health intervention
A safe, effective and cost savings for families and the US healthcare system, according to more than 75 years of research
Fluoride occurs naturally in all water; however, the amount is usually not enough to prevent cavities. That is where Community Water Fluoridation comes in.
Fluoride has been proven to protect teeth from cavities. Fluoride helps to rebuild and strengthen the teeth. Water fluoridation works by providing frequent and consistent contact of low levels of fluoride to the teeth in order to reduce cavities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all public drinking water supplies contain low levels of fluoride to provide a barrier against cavities. The CDC’s current recommended level of fluoride concentration in water is 0.7 mg/L. Water operators closely monitor and adjust these levels on a daily basis.
This video will teach you about how water operators help improve the oral health of people living in their community. Why Water Operators Matter
Community Water Fluoridation in Iowa
Iowa HHS monitors fluoride levels in community water systems by working with local water operators, providing education and technical assistance to city officials, water municipalities, public health professionals, and the public. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the regulatory agency for water fluoridation in Iowa and ensures fluoride levels do not exceed secondary and maximum contaminant levels and water systems are tracking daily fluoride levels when added to the water system. This partnership has shown to be a key factor in the success of Community Water Fluoridation in Iowa.
Community Water Fluoridation started in Iowa in 1951 with the city of Waukon, and the city is still fluoridating their water today. 2022 data shows that 88.4% of Iowans have access to fluoridated drinking water, over 2.3 million people. However, only about 69.9% have access to optimally fluoridated water. Iowa HHS works with the Iowa DNR and local water operators to continue to improve those who receive optimally fluoridated water. House File 390 went into effect on July 1, 2021.
Fluoridation Resources
Iowa HHS requests submission of a monthly operating report (MOR) from all adjusted water systems to assess the fluoridation rates in Iowa. If you are unsure where to email your MOR, contact us at 866-528-4020.
Many public water systems are recognized by the CDC with an annual Water Fluoridation Quality Award. To be eligible in Iowa, public water systems must meet each of the following criteria: CDC Water Fluoridation Quality Award Criteria
Fluoridation equipment is not made to last forever. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has funding opportunities for updating and installing fluoride equipment for communities. If you’re interested or have questions regarding funding, please call 866-528-4020 and ask for the Water Fluoridation Coordinator. The Community Fluoridation Grant template includes qualifying criteria and questions that will be asked on the application for funding. Questions specific to funding may be directed to Maren Lenhart, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, (515)261-5590.
The Iowa DNR requires certain construction permits when fluoridation equipment is being installed or updated. Contact the Water Supply Engineering section of the DNR for more details on specific permits or they can be found at the Iowa DNR website. The Iowa DNR website can also be accessed for complete Administrative Rule information.
A FREE CWF Training is available from the CDC and includes information on background, fluoridation system design and operations, and fluoride additives, including dosage, feed rates and daily sampling. Water operators in Iowa can receive 4 continuing education credits for completing the course.
The American Water Works Association publishes a manual with essential information for decision makers planning fluoridation installations, engineers designing them, and water utility personnel operating them. The manual contains history of use, health effects, calculating dosage and managing levels as well as equipment considerations (installation, operation, and maintenance). The manual can be found here.
Fluoridation Facts is the American Dental Association's premier resource on fluoridation, answering frequently asked questions about community water fluoridation and the latest scientific research. The eBook can be downloaded for FREE.
Your local I-Smile™ Coordinator is a great resource and has been trained on the public health benefits of community water fluoridation (CWF). Coordinators can answer questions regarding CWF or any other oral health related topics or questions you may have.
My Water’s Fluoride – provides information on the number of people served by the water system, the water source, and if the water system fluoridates its water supply
ILikeMyTeeth.org - Valuable Information Specific to your Role as a Water Operator
CDC - Community Water Fluoridation for Water Operators and Engineers
