AWWA JAW49899

The US Public Health service sets optimal fluoride concentrations for community water supplies. The agency's recommendations were used to create a fluoridation map of the United States depicting optimal concentrations. This study deternmined how closely reported state optimal fluoride concentrations followed those on the map. The most recent fluoridation census statistics were used to determine the reported state optimal fluoride concentration, which represents the level at which community water supplies should be fluoridated according to state policy. In only five states did the reported state optimal fluoride concentrations exactly match those on the fluoridation map. Eleven states reported lower state optimal fluoride concentrations on average; 32 reported higher amounts. As research and debate continue regarding otimal fluoride concentrations in drinking water, it is important that water plant operators stay current on fluoridation issues. Includes 42 references, figures.