The City of Calgary will start adding fluoride to its drinking water as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent dental cavities and improve oral health.
The Council decision to reintroduce fluoride in the drinking water system was made after a plebiscite in the 2021 Civic General Election found 62 per cent support for fluoridation amongst voters. Once fluoride is reintroduced, Calgary will join Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer and other Alberta municipalities that add fluoride to drinking water.
Fluoride is present in minerals, and found naturally in soil, air and water. For healthy teeth, natural occurring fluoride levels in the Bow and Elbow Rivers will be supplemented to help protect against tooth decay. The treatment plants will increase fluoride to the optimal level of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) as recommended by Health Canada’s Guidance for Community Water Fluoridation.
The Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and Alberta Health Services support the practice of fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. Research consistently shows that community water fluoridation is safe, effective, economical and poses no risk to human health at the recommended levels. Fluoridation benefits the community, especially those most vulnerable and without access to dental care. Health Canada and more than 90 other healthcare organizations worldwide endorse community water fluoridation.
To facilitate the reintroduction of fluoride, infrastructure upgrades were completed at Calgary’s water treatment plants. The infrastructure costs were $28.1 M with additional annual costs of $1M for operating and maintenance at both plants. This translates into less than 10 cents per person, per month. This is already funded through Council-approved water rates. There is no support from property taxes.
The City of Calgary’s highest priority is in delivering safe and reliable drinking water to citizens where we continue to meet or perform better than all drinking water regulations.
Further public health information about fluoride can be found through Health Canada and Alberta Health Services.
For more information on the project and frequently asked questions, please visit calgary.ca/fluoride.
