Water utility’s wholesale water supplier to begin fluoridation to regional water supply on December 22, 2010
CORONADO, CA (December 17, 2010) California American Water’s customers in its San Diego County service district, which includes the cities of Coronado and Imperial Beach and portions of south San Diego and Chula Vista, will receive fluoridated drinking water beginning Dec. 22, 2010. This change is due to California American Water’s wholesale water supplier, the city of San Diego, adding fluoridation as part of its water treatment process. The city of San Diego will supplement naturally occurring fluoride in our drinking water to meet the standards established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
California State law requires water agencies with more than 10,000 water service connections (which includes the city of San Diego) to fluoridate their drinking water supplies if outside funding is available. In June 2008, the San Diego city council accepted an offer of funding from the First 5 Commission of San Diego County for the purpose for fluoridating the city’s public water supply. The Commission provided full funding of the capital costs and up to two years of operating and maintenance expenses necessary to implement fluoridation at each of the city’s three water treatment plants.
The American Dental Association’s studies conducted throughout the past 65 years have consistently shown that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water children and adults can benefit from fluoridation’s cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school. Today, studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by 20-40%, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources such as fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoridation is supported by the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control, and CDPH among many others. “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. This is especially important for children when forming their adult teeth,” said Dr. Chris Kleber, Coronado dentist. “Fluoridation is one public health program that actually saves money. An individual can have a lifetime of fluoridated water for less than the cost of one dental filling.”
California American Water customers were notified in the 2009 Consumer Confidence Report that the city of San Diego would begin fluoridating water in 2010. Customers can find additional information about fluoride at www.californiaamwater.com or at the city of San Diego’s “water fluoridation” web page www.sandiego.gov/water/quality/fluoridation.shtml. In addition, customers may contact California American Water at 888-237-1333 or the city’s public utilities department at 619-515-3500. Customers who have health questions are encouraged to consult with their medical or dental practitioner.
California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people. California American Water’s San Diego County service district includes approximately 21,000 households and businesses and serves a population of about 95,000 people, in the cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, south Chula Vista, and parts of south San Diego.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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Brian A. Barreto
Office: 626-614-2542
Mobile: 626-388-7484 [email protected]
