Maintenance of optimal fluoride levels in public water systems.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the quality of water fluoridation in public water supplies.


METHODS
An assessment of daily fluoride levels among all communities that fluoridate their public water supplies in New Hampshire was conducted from January 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002. Results were compared against recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


RESULTS
The fluoride concentration was less than the recommended minimum value on 42.0 percent of days, within the accepted control range on 49.8 percent of days, and above the recommended maximum value on 1.0 percent of days. On 7.1 percent of days, a fluoride concentration was not determined. Only 2 (18.2%) of 11 public water supplies maintained the fluoride concentration in the optimal range > or =80 percent of the days.


CONCLUSIONS
For public water supplies in New Hampshire that fluoridate, suboptimal levels are the most common problem. Water systems need to better maintain recommended fluoride levels if communities are to realize the full benefits of fluoridation.
Pelletier
Andrew R
AR
Division of Chronic Disease Prevention, Office of Community and Public Health, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, USA. arp1@cdc.gov
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000592:standards; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D009513:New Hampshire; D011634:Public Health / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides