DHSS Press Release |
Date: May 2, 2005 DHSS-35-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PUBLIC DRINKING WATER OFFERS FLUORIDE MISSING FROM BOTTLED WATER
Children who drink bottled water may have a higher risk of cavities in their baby teeth than children who drink tap water. The American Dental Association says children could miss the benefits of fluoride provided in public drinking water. However, according to Delaware's Division of Public Health's Office of Drinking Water, 27 public water systems across Delaware are fluoridated to prevent cavities.
Approximately 84 percent of all children and 96 percent of adults have experienced tooth decay. The American Dental Association has endorsed fluoridation of community water supplies as safe and effective for more than 40 years. Small amounts of fluoride occur naturally in all water sources, and are found in all foods and beverages.
The optimal range for fluoride in Delaware drinking water is between 0.8 - 1.2 parts per million. To find out how your public water rates, read your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), scheduled for distribution to residents in July. This mandatory report is provided by your water supplier and reviewed for accuracy by the Office of Drinking Water. The following public water systems, listed alphabetically, fluoridate at optimal levels:
| Artesian Water Company | Holly Hills Estates |
| Bayview Beach Improvement Company, Inc. | Lewes Water Department |
| Blades Water Department | Long Farm Estates |
| Camden Wyoming Sewer & Water Authority | Methodist Country House |
| Chestnut Grove | Middletown Water Department |
| Clayton Water Department | Milford Water Department |
| Delaware Correctional Center | Milton Water Department |
| Delmar Water Department | New Castle Water Department |
| Dover Air Force Base | Newark Water Department |
| Dover Water Department-includes Tidewater's | Pepper Ridge |
| West Dover District & Carlisle Village | Seaford Water Department |
| Eagle Meadows | Selbyville Water Department |
| Felton Water Department | South Bethany Water Department |
| Georgetown Water Department | Strimel's Trailer Park |
If you still choose non-fluoridated bottled water, ask your pediatrician and dentist whether your child should receive fluoride supplements. For information on public drinking water, contact DPH's Office of Drinking Water at (302) 739-5410. For information on fluoride, contact DPH's dental program at (302) 741-2960.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
