- Home
- Our Water
- Water Quality
- Fluoride Information
Fluoride Information
California Law mandates fluoridation. Public Water Systems with at least 10,000 service connections are required, once funded, to fluoridate their drinking water. This action is in compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) Regulations Related to Drinking Water (Section 64433).
For additional information, please email the Authority's Fluoride Information Line or call 619-409-6780.
Fluoride's benefits for preventing tooth decay were discovered in the 1930s and it has been added to drinking water supplies in the U.S. since 1945. Today, about 67% of the U.S. population using public water supplies has access to fluoridated water.
In November of 2007, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California began fluoridating the treated aqueduct water it provides to its member agencies, including the San Diego County Water Authority, from whom the Authority may occasionally purchase treated aqueduct water as necessary to meet water supply demands.
Sweetwater Authority fluoridates of all of the water supply delivered to our customers. This action is required to be in compliance with the State Board fluoridation regulations.
Parents of children taking fluoride supplements may want to consult their medical professional regarding this change.
For additional information, please email the Authority's Fluoride Information Line or call 619-409-6780.
About Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in both surface water and groundwater. Fluoride is the ionic form of fluorine, the 13th most abundant element on Earth. It is found in many rocks and minerals in the soil and enters drinking water as water passes through these soils. Fluoride is present naturally in almost all foods and beverages including water, but levels can vary widely.What is Fluoridation
Fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to a drinking water supply so that it contains the level recommended for optimal protection against tooth decay.Fluoride's benefits for preventing tooth decay were discovered in the 1930s and it has been added to drinking water supplies in the U.S. since 1945. Today, about 67% of the U.S. population using public water supplies has access to fluoridated water.
In November of 2007, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California began fluoridating the treated aqueduct water it provides to its member agencies, including the San Diego County Water Authority, from whom the Authority may occasionally purchase treated aqueduct water as necessary to meet water supply demands.
Sweetwater Authority fluoridates of all of the water supply delivered to our customers. This action is required to be in compliance with the State Board fluoridation regulations.
Fluoride Concentration
After this time, the treated water will contain fluoride with a concentration range of 0.6 mg/L to 1.2 mg/L with the optimal target dose set at 0.7 mg/L, which is considered by the State Board to provide optimal oral health benefits. Under the State of California drinking water regulations, the maximum allowable fluoride dosage is 2 parts per million (2 mg/L). The Authority uses fluorosilicic acid and sodium fluoride, chemicals certified under ANSI/NSF Standard 60 and approved by the DDW.Parents of children taking fluoride supplements may want to consult their medical professional regarding this change.
Additional Information
- American Dental Association
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water