Water systems recognized for community fluoridation

The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced today that 12 water systems, including Ponca City’s Municipal Water System, have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities which achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2016.

For 2016, a total of 1,360 public water systems in 29 states received these awards, including 12 in Oklahoma.

“The Oklahoma State Department of Health supports community water fluoridation and recognizes the practice as beneficial to all who drink and use the water,” said Dr. Jana Winfree, Director of Dental Health Service. “Preventive dental care programs, such as community water fluoridation, make a real difference in improving the health status of Oklahomans.”

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults,” stated Casey Hannan, MPH, Acting Director, CDC Division of Oral Health. “Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.”

The following water systems received awards:

• Ada Water Works
• Lawton
• Madill
• Midwest City Public Works
• Muskogee
• Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority
• Oklahoma City-Draper Water Treatment Plant
• Ponca City Municipal Water
• Poteau Valley Improvement Authority
• City of Sand Springs
• Stilwell
• Tulsa – A.B. Jewell
• Tulsa- Mohawk