Fluoridation of drinking water

Fluoridated drinking water was first introduced in this region on March 31, 2010. Because of the complex nature of the distribution system residents of the Toowoomba City, Cotswold Hills, Glenvale/Torrington, Oakey and Westbrook areas receive a mix of fluoridated and non-fluoridated water. The mix of water delivered to each property depends on water production from the Toowoomba Basalt Bores and the Oakey Bores and consumer demand which varies on a constant basis.

Residents of Blue Mountain Heights, Gowrie Junction, Gowrie Mountain, Meringandan West, Goombungee and Kingsthorpe who receive water directly from the Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant receive only fluoridated water.

For areas that will be receiving partly fluoridated water, Queensland Health has advised Council that although the actual concentration of fluoride being received in some areas may be lower than the prescribed concentration, there will still be a significant oral health benefit. There are no plans at this stage to fluoridate the Toowoomba or Oakey bores so these areas will continue to receive partly fluoridated water.

For areas still not fluoridated, the Water Fluoridation Regulation 2008 requires that the following supply areas will be fluoridated by the end of 2012:

Council is not aware of any plans to fluoridate any other water supply schemes at this stage.

There are safeguards in place to prevent overdosing. The fluoride plant can only operate when the following conditions are satisfied:

• Treated water pumps are running
• Treated water flow meter shows flow above a set-point
• Treated water flow switch shows flow is occurring
• Pre Fluoride analyser is functioning correctly
• Post Fluoride analyser is functioning correctly

The Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant will use the chemical Sodium Fluorosilicate for fluoridation. If you have any concerns in regard to fluoridation the best place to find helpful information on health effects, toxicity and general fluoridation information, visit the Queensland Health website or phone 13HEALTH (1343 2584).