The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Friday that 69 water systems, including five locally, have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Michigan consistently exceeds the CDC recommendations for community water supplies by having 90 percent of our population on community water systems accessing fluoridated water,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “These awards demonstrate the commitment to quality by these community systems. Water fluoridation has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one’s lifetime and benefits all residents.”
The award recognizes those communities that maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout calendar year 2021.
A total of 1,394 water systems in 28 states received the award including:
- Fenton
- Howell
- Linden
- Milford
- South Lyon
Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. It has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective and inexpensive method of preventing decay. Officials say that for every $1 invested in fluoridation at least $38 is saved in costs for dental treatment.
