Water Fluoridation
Fluoride is added to Town water as part of the Provincial Fluoridation Program at regulated levels to help prevent tooth decay. This process is monitored by Manitoba Health and Health Living. Here is more information about this subject.
1. Are we required by the Province to add fluoride or is it only recommended by the Province?
Participation is voluntary, but it is generally mutually agreed upon between municipal, provincial and federal governments.
2. What is the Province's position on fluoride being added to water?
The community water fluoridation program is funded by Manitoba Health as part of the Public Oral Health Initiative.
3. Are ther communities in Manitoba that don't add fluoride?
There are 63 communities in Manitoba fluoridating their water systems representing 95% of the population on a public water supply. (Approximately 770,000 Manitobans.)
4. How much natural fluoride is in the water compared to what we add? (What percent of the total fluoride is added by us?)
Naturally occuring fluoride levels in our water supply generally run around .25 mg/litre. We add the rest to maintain an ideal level of 1 mg/litre. Manitoba drinking water guideline for fluoride is .8 to 1.5 mg/litre.
Government of Canada Statement of Support ?
Health Canada endorces the fluoridation of drinking water to prevent tooth decay, but does not participate in the decision to fluoridate a water supply. Provincial and territorial governments are generally responsible for the safety of drinking water. In collaboration with their municipalities, they decide whether or not to fluoridate and the amount of fluoride to be added.