Township advises of elevated fluoride levels in municipal drinking water systems

Huron-Kinloss Township is advising residents that the drinking water systems in Ripley, Lucknow and along the lakeshore have elevated levels of naturally-occurring fluoride which can have an effect on dental health.

Fluoride is a common element in the earth's crust and is present in groundwater naturally from trace concentrations to five milligrams (mg) per litre (L).

Food and drinking water are the main sources of fluoride for most Canadians, states the Grey Bruce Health Unit, in a fact sheet about fluoride. Fluoride is now frequently added to products, such as toothpaste, toothpowder, mouthwash and vitamin supplements.

Adults and children over age three readily excrete about 90 per cent of the fluoride they ingest. Children under age three excrete only about 50 per cent of the fluoride they ingest. Approximately 90 per cent of the fluoride retained in the body is deposited in the skeleton and teeth.

Fluoride increases the resistance of tooth enamel to acids that begin tooth decay in the mouth. Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of low levels of fluoride, up to one mg/L, in drinking water can reduce cavities by 40-50 per cent, while having absolutely no other harmful effects.

Fluoride concentrations in drinking water higher than two mg/L may cause dental fluorosis in children, depending on the concentration, amount of water consumed, and supplemental fluoride ingested (ie. toothpaste, rinses, etc.). Research has shown that in order for permanent teeth to be affected, the excess consumption of fluoride must occur when children are between two and three years of age.

Mild forms of fluorosis are characterized by small white patches on the teeth. Moderate forms may involve brown patches and minute pitting of enamel. Severe forms of dental fluorosis are characterized by widespread deep brown or black stains and by excessive pitting.

The following are the recorded amounts of fluoride in Huron-Kinloss municipal systems:

Lakeshore Drinking Water System:
Blair's Grove - 2.20 mg/L
Huronville South - 2.24 mg/L
Murdoch Glen - 2.14 mg/L
Point Clark - 2.20 mg/L

Lucknow Drinking Water System:
Lucknow #4 - 1.75 mg/L
Lucknow #5 - 1.78 mg/L

Ripley Drinking Water System
Wells #1 & 2 combined - 2.10 mg/L

Where fluoride concentrations exceed 2.4 mg/L, children under age five should drink water from another source which has been tested for fluoride concentration. Alternatively, they may drink the water following treatment by reverse osmosis filtration.

Fluoride is removed from drinking water by reverse osmosis filtration. These filter systems are available commercially and may be installed to the cold water supply under the kitchen sink. Since this treatment removes the fluoride, all household members should use fluoridated toothpaste.

Combined fluoride/vitamin preparations or other fluoride supplements should never be used without consultation with your family dentist. Parents should supervise children's brushing to prevent them from swallowing excessive amounts of fluoridated toothpaste.

Individuals with private drinking water supplies, may contact their area public health inspector for further information on fluoride testing in drinking water. Advice can be given as to what treatment methods or alternatives are available to help ensure a safe water suppl