March 18, 1999
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS RECOGNIZED
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) have recognized 387 community water systems for maintaining the state mandated fluoride level in drinking water for each month in 1998.
"Oral health is an important part of an individual's total health," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "By ensuring that state fluoride requirements are met consistently, these water systems enhance the oral health of the citizens they serve."
Of those being recognized, 70 systems earned a fluoride commendation for at least five consecutive years, 13 for at least 10 years and three for at least 15 years.
"We are happy to join with IDPH in recognizing the many water plant operators whose everyday efforts ensure that Illinois residents of all ages are receiving tap water with proper levels of fluoride," said IEPA director Tom Skinner. "Proper levels of fluoride in community drinking water supplies are particularly efficient and cost-effective in improving our children's dental health."
Another 94 communities received honorable mention for reaching fluoridation standards for 11 of 12 months during 1998./P P Fluoride is found naturally in water but, in many communities, the amount of the mineral is too low and does not meet the required standards. When this occurs, fluoride must be added to the water to provide optimal oral health benefits to the community. Currently 950 water systems must add fluoride to their water.
System operators must send water samples to a certified lab on a monthly basis and IDPH monitors the samples to ensure the fluoride levels meet state standards.
Studies have found that every dollar spent on fluoridation saves as much as $56 in dental care costs. Fluoridating a community water supply costs an average of 20 cents to 30 cents per person.
To view a list of the water systems receiving 1998 compliance awards, click here. PDF Format, 125K
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Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |