ProvWater Lauded For Flouridation

The Rhode Island Department of Health recently announced that five public water systems in the state — including the Providence Water Supply Board which serves Johnston — received a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Awards were given to systems that maintained an approved level of fluoride in the water in 2010.

Other water systems in Rhode Island were Bristol County Water Authority, Newport Water Department, North Tiverton Fire District, and Pawtucket Water Supply Board.

“We congratulate these water systems on being recognized for their contributions to public health prevention efforts,” Director of Health Michael Fine, MD, said in a statement. “Their efforts to maintain fluoride in the water supply helps to prevent tooth decay for more than 135,000 Rhode Islanders.”

Fluoride in water prevents tooth decay in children and in adults and has been recognized by the CDC as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century, the health department reported. For every dollar invested in fluoridation, nearly $38 is saved on dental costs.

For more information on flouridation, visit the RI Department of Health Water Flouridation web page.