Council will introduce fluoride

I am pleased to announce that Gosford Council will shortly introduce fluoride into the town water supply for the dental health benefit of the community.

The decision to fluoridate was made by the Secretary of the NSW Department of Health in December 2006 in line with its policy, after Council resolved to write seeking the Department's approval.

Council has now completed the larger civil works involved with the fluoridation facilities at the

Somersby and Woy Woy water treatment plants, and final commissioning is expected to take place in December this year.

Following final approval from the Department of Water and Energy and NSW Department of Health, Gosford's town water supply will be fluoridated as of 7 January 2008.

From this date, the natural concentration of the water supply will be increased to the optimum level of fluoride (1.0 parts per million) to help prevent tooth decay in all ages.

At this concentration, fluoride is not harmful or toxic and will not alter the taste and smell of your drinking water.

As usual, Council will continue to closely monitor the water supply to ensure that it complies with Australian Health Standards.

It is advised to continue brushing with fluoride toothpaste once the water supply is fluoridated.

The NSW Department of Health recommends that fluoride supplements are not given to any child who lives or goes to school in a fluoridated water community.

Consult your dentist, medical practitioner or pharmacist before making any decision.

Should you have any queries relating to the fluoridation of Gosford's town water, a copy of the most recent water fluoridation fact sheet is available on Council's website: www.gosford.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Department of Health can also provide further information.

Jim Macfadyen, Gosford mayor