Fluoride
OMWD has paused fluoridation to pursue improvements at David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant that impact the fluoridation system.
How much fluoride is
in OMWD’s water?
Currently, OMWD has paused fluoridation at its David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant. While fluoridation is paused, the water produced at the plant contains naturally occurring fluoride at levels ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 mg/L.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District originally began fluoridating its water on July 24, 2013. When fluoridating, OMWD targets a fluoridation level of 0.7 parts per million, or 0.7 mg/L, as prescribed by the US Department of Health and Human Services. In 2015, the state decreased the target from 0.8mg/L. The level of fluoride found in OMWD’s water is published annually in our Consumer Confidence Report.
Why does OMWD add
fluoride to its water?
Health & Safety Code §§116409-116415 requires public water systems, such as OMWD, to fluoridate when the funds to do so are available. The intent of this law is to promote dental health.
However, OMWD has paused fluoridation at its David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant. This pause is necessary to allow OMWD to pursue improvements at the treatment plant that impact the fluoridation system.
In accordance with California Code of Regulations §64433.7(c), OMWD notified customers and health care providers in April 2026 of the pause in fluoridation. The duration of this pause has yet to be determined. OMWD will notify customers and health care providers regarding any changes to fluoridation
Will state and federal law continue to require OMWD to fluoridate its water?
In September 2024, a federal court (Food and Water Watch, Inc. v. US Environmental Protection Agency) ordered the EPA to start a rulemaking process regarding fluoridation. It is still uncertain what actions the EPA will take next. While the court mandated that the EPA begin rulemaking, it did not clarify an expected outcome.
In May 2025, the Library of Congress published a report on The Development of Federal Recommendations and Regulations for Fluoride in Drinking Water.
On January 22, 2026, the EPA released Fluoride Human Health Toxicity Assessment: Preliminary Assessment Plan and Literature Survey for public comment. The plan describes the primary issues the EPA will consider and compiles a literature survey of relevant health effects studies to be evaluated in the assessment. The assessment will reflect a comprehensive review of available scientific data on fluoride exposure and health effects, conducted with external peer review and public input to inform potential revisions to federal drinking water regulations.
OMWD will continue to monitor developments at the state and federal levels for future considerations.
What if I do not want
to drink fluoridated water?
While fluoridation is paused at the David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant, the water produced at the plant contains only naturally occurring fluoride at levels ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 mg/L.
Customers concerned about fluoride in their drinking water may consider the installation of a home water filter using reverse osmosis or distillation technology.
Customers may also choose to drink bottled water that has been treated through reverse osmosis or distillation. Not all brands of bottled water are treated through these processes, and many may contain fluoride. Customers are advised to call the consumer information number on the bottle’s label to determine the level of fluoride.
Where can I find additional information?
To find additional information about fluoridation, please visit the following websites:
How do I share my opinion?
OMWD has held multiple public meetings at which the topic of fluoridation is discussed.
On February 19, 2025, OMWD presented to the board a report on the current fluoridation practices. On June 18, 2025, an informational report was provided to the board regarding ongoing fluoridation challenges. On September 17, 2025, OMWD’s board considered an update on the continued challenges with fluoridation and directed staff to open a public comment period.
On January 21, 2026, OMWD held a public meeting at which the board heard comments about fluoride. Notices of the public comment period were issued in OMWD’s October and December 2025 newsletters, as well as posted on OMWD’s webpage.
Most recently, on March 18, 2026, OMWD held a public meeting to hear comments and discuss proposed improvements impacting the fluoride system.
To inquire or share your opinion about fluoridation at OMWD, please contact us.