Frequently asked questions about fluoride at OMWD

Does Olivenhain Municipal Water District currently have fluoride in its water?
All water has naturally occurring fluoride. OMWD’s water contains approximately 0.24 parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l).

OMWD treats the majority of water delivered to its customers at the David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant and this source has no additional fluoride added at this time. OMWD also receives a portion of its treated drinking water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. On December 3, 2007, MWD began fluoridating its water; therefore OMWD customers are now receiving a blended mix of fluoridated water.

Even with this blend, the water in OMWD’s distribution system is less than 0.6 mg/l. According to the California Department of Public Health guidelines, an Average Annual Fluoride Concentration (AAFC) below 0.6 mg/l is considered to be a non-fluoridated source.

How do I know if my child or I need fluoride supplements?
All customers who use fluoride supplements are encouraged to contact their dental service providers to evaluate whether to continue taking fluoride supplements.

Will OMWD add fluoride to its water in the future? If so, when?
California state law—Health & Safety Code §§116409-116415—requires all public water systems to fluoridate their water once funds become available. In order to comply with this law, and to provide consistency in OMWD’s system to match MWD fluoridation levels, OMWD may begin fluoridating its water once funds to do so are available. However, no funding sources have been identified at this time. Customers will be notified prior to commencement of OMWD’s fluoridation.

How much fluoride will OMWD add to its water?
In January 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommended a community water fluoridation level of 0.7 parts per million.

Where can I find additional information?
To find answers to your questions and for more information on fluoridation please visit the following websites:

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Phone: (213) 217-6930
www.mwdh20.org
Under the “Highlights” section, click on fluoridation.

California Department of Public Health
Phone: (916) 445-4218
www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/pages/fluoridation.aspx

San Diego County Water Authority
Phone: (858) 522-6600
www.sdcwa.org