City of Maitland will no longer add fluoride to its public drinking water after June 30 to comply with requirements recently approved by the State of Florida.
This move will not interrupt potable water service nor alter the quality of water provided to utility customers. The City of Maitland routinely monitors drinking water to meet all federal and state safety requirements.
Water fluoridation is implemented by utilities to help prevent tooth decay. Almost all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually at levels too low to prevent cavities.
The recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water is 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is equal to about 3 drops of water in a 55-gallon barrel.
Florida Senate Bill 700, also known as the Florida Farm Bill, was signed into law May 15 and includes a provision prohibiting the addition of water quality additives to public supplies.