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50 Michigan water systems awarded national fluoridation quality award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Oct. 10, 2018

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Oral Health Unit is recognizing 50 Michigan public water systems for being awarded the Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The award recognizes those communities that maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout 2017. A total of 1,499 water systems in 30 states received the award, including the following Michigan systems:

Adrian

Linden

Baraga

Ludington

Battle Creek-Verona System

Manchester

Belding

Marshall

Benton Township

Mason

Boyne City

MHOG Sewer & Water Authority

Carson City

Michigan State University

Charlevoix

Midland

Charlotte

Milford

Clare

Monroe

Dexter

Muskegon

East Jordan

Northwest Ottawa Water Treatment Plant

Elk Rapids

Otsego

Escanaba Water Department

Plainfield Township

Fremont

Saginaw

Gladstone Water Department

Schoolcraft

Grand Rapids

Sparta

Great Lakes Water Authority

St. Johns

Hartford

St. Joseph

Hillsdale

St. Clair Water and Sewer Authority

Holland Board of Public Works

Standish

Huron Shores Regional Utility Authority

Summit Township

Jackson

Traverse City

Kalamazoo

Union City

Lake Bella Vista

Wakefield

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. According to the CDC, drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities (also called tooth decay) by about 25 percent in children and adults.

“Michigan consistently exceeds the CDC recommendations for community water supplies by having 90 percent of our population on community water systems accessing fluoridated water,” said Karen MacMaster, MDHHS acting deputy director of Population Health Administration. “These awards demonstrate the commitment to quality by these community water systems.”

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. It is estimated that every dollar invested in fluoridation saves at least $38 in costs for dental treatment.

For more information about community water fluorination, visit the CDC website.

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