Fluoride exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine, the thirteenth most common element in the Earth's crust. It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay states KidsHealth.org.
“Fluoride is voluntarily added to some drinking water systems as a public health measure for reducing the incidence of cavities among the treated population” as stated from the EPA. The decision to fluoridate a water supply is made by the state or local municipality, and is not mandated by EPA or any other Federal entity.
M.U.D. adds fluoride to its treated water to promote dental health. Fluoridation was approved by Omaha voters May 14, 1968, by a vote of 54,185 in favor to 39,827 opposed.
In 2008, the Nebraska Unicameral passed LB 245 which requires all Nebraska cities and towns with populations over 1,000 to add fluoride to public water systems.
The Missouri River has naturally occurring fluoride in the range of 0.5 to 0.6 parts per million and the Platte River has it in the range of 0.25 to 0.4 parts per million. The District adds enough fluoride to make the tap water concentration approximately 0.7 parts per million, well below the federal limit of 4.0 ppm.
M.U.D. consults with the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services regarding any adjustments to fluoride in its treatment process.
Questions about drinking water? Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791 or go to their website: http://water.epa.gov/drink/.
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