Fluoride
The Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) has developed rules to oversee the application of fluoride into public water systems. This regulation is the result of a majority vote of Salt Lake County residents. It is intended "to promote public health through the protection and maintenance of dental health" (SLVHD, Reg. #33). Jordan Valley Water currently fluoridates its water sources in order to comply with this requirement.
Since the beginning of this requirement in October 2003, the SLVHD has lowered the optimum dose from 1.0 milligrams (mg) of fluoride for every liter (L) of water to 0.7 mg/L. This systematic reduction is in response to recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and represents an effort to balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay while limiting any unwanted health effects.
Water picks up a variety of minerals and naturally occurring chemicals as it flows through the ground and over geologic features of the earth. As a result, fluoride is often naturally present in water sources. The natural fluoride level of Jordan Valley Water’s sources ranges between 0.2 mg/L and 0.7 mg/L. Therefore, Jordan Valley Water adds additional fluoride to some of its sources in order to meet the optimum concentration set forth in the regulation.
Fluoridation equipment is installed at each of Jordan Valley Water’s water treatment plants and at various locations in its well field. Monitoring equipment is also installed at each of these points and regular field testing is done to verify that chemical feed equipment is working properly. Jordan Valley Water is committed to providing quality water every day.
The total cost to implement, operate and maintain the fluoride injection and monitoring systems is approximately one cent per 1,000 gallons of water delivered. There has not been a rate increase specifically assessed for this cost.
Further questions regarding fluoridation can be addressed by contacting the Salt Lake Valley Health Department at 801-313-6600. Additional information about Jordan Valley Water's method of fluoridation can be obtained by calling us at 801-446-2000. You may also use our contact form by selecting "Water Quality" as the subject to send an email inquiry.
