Washington, DC – Today, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a revised recommendation for the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water. The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) has delivered drinking water that is consistent with previous HHS recommendations for water fluoridation, and levels will be immediately adjusted to meet the new recommendations.

“Fluoride in drinking water has protected dental health in this country for nearly 60 years,” said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. “If new federal science indicates we can do better with less, our product will meet the standards as it always has.”

In the past, HHS supported a fluoride level between 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter (mg/L), as safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. Based on new research, HHS is recommending a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L as optimal for ensuring public health protection.

DC Water purchases treated drinking water from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct, the federal agency responsible for water fluoridation in the District. Based on the recent HHS recommendation, the Washington Aqueduct has adjusted the amount of fluoride added during the treatment process to the optimal level of 0.7 mg/L. The average fluoride level in District drinking water has been 0.9 mg/L, within the range previously recommended by HHS.