Fluoride
Fluoridation in Your Drinking Wate
Protecting public health and delivering safe, high-quality drinking water remains ETWD’s highest priority. Community water fluoridation began in the U.S. in 1945, and today, about 72 percent of Americans served by community water systems receive fluoridated drinking water.
Fluoridation in California and Our Region
El Toro Water District imports 100% of its drinking water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). California law requires water systems with more than 10,000 service connections to fluoridate when funding is available. In our region, MWD began fluoridation in 2007 after broad public health support and approval by the California Department of Public Health.
Naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water amounts to .3 .4 mg/L. MWD adjusts this fluoride level to the recommended optimum level of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L)—a concentration shown to provide dental health benefits while remaining far below both state and federal safety limits. For comparison:
- U.S. EPA primary limit : 4.0 mg/L
- California limit: 2.0 mg/L
Safety and Scientific Review
Fluoride in drinking water is closely monitored and regulated by state and federal agencies. MWD monitors fluoride levels daily and complies with all applicable requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water. These regulations are designed to ensure drinking water remains safe and within established standards
This optimal U.S. level of 0.7 mg/L is well below both state and federal safety limits and is recognized as safe and effective by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health.
Looking Ahead
While some states have moved to ban or reconsider fluoridation, the State of California continues to support the practice as a key tool for improving oral health.
ETWDs Commitment
ETWD is committed to delivering safe and reliable drinking water to our community. Your water continues to meet or surpasses all state and federal safety standards and we will continue to follow all state and federal regulations, monitoring any new water fluoridation developments and provide updates to our customers as needed.