Water Systems Saluted For Fluoridation Efforts

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71 communities around Michigan have received a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this year. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News most of the state’s water systems use fluoride.

“In Michigan we actually exceed the recommendations for community water supplies by having 90% of our population that is accessing fluoridated water,” Sutfin said. “The fact is that we had 71 award winners this year, which is a 26% increase over last year.”

Among the southwest Michigan communities getting the CDC award are Bangor, Benton Township, Bridgman, Buchanan, Dowagiac, New Buffalo, Niles, Hartford, and St. Joseph. Sutfin says it’s estimated every $1 invested in fluoridation saves at least $38 in costs for dental treatment. Fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.