(July 2, 2010)—Charleston Water System is once again adding trace amounts of fluoride to drinking water.
Charleston Water System stopped adding fluoride in November 2008 after discovering a leak in the fluoride storage tank at the Hanahan Water Treatment Plant. The tank had already been scheduled for replacement as part of a larger storage facility project that was planned for 2009. That project is now complete, allowing CWS to resume fluoridation.
The optimal concentration of fluoride, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), is between 0.7 and 1.2 parts per million (ppm). Charleston Water System's target concentration is 0.8 ppm.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many water sources. When consumed at the recommended level, it helps protect against cavities by strengthening the enamel on teeth, making them more resistant to decay. Charleston's primary water source, the Bushy Park Reservoir, contains about 0.2 parts per million of fluoride. An additional 0.6 ppm of fluoride will be added during the treatment process for a total concentration of approximately 0.8 ppm.
Many scientific studies conducted over the past 50 years have shown water fluoridation to be safe and effective. Fluoridation is supported by the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and SCDHEC, among many others. According to SC DHEC, about 95% of South Carolina residents on public water systems receive fluoridated water.
Charleston Water System serves the greater Charleston area, including West Ashley, Hollywood, Meggett, Ravenel, James Island, North Charleston, Ladson, Daniel Island, Cainhoy, and Hanahan. CWS also sells water to area utilities and municipalities, including Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, Johns Island, and Lincolnville.
For more information about fluoride in drinking water, visit www.charlestonwater.com.
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Related Links
Fluoride press release issued in Nov. 2008
Tap water and your health - fluoride
Customer service information
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