Fluoridation

At the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, we understand the community's concerns about the addition of fluoride to our drinking water. CCMWA’s commitment is to provide accurate and transparent information to ensure the safety and quality of the water you consume. Below is a summary of the key facts surrounding water fluoridation and the regulations that guide our operations.

 

Key Points:

  1. Compliance with State and Federal Law:
    • The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority is required by both Georgia state law and EPA guidelines to add fluoride to the water supply to enhance public health, specifically for preventing tooth decay.
    • Fluoridation is not optional for individual water systems in Georgia; it is mandated under state law to ensure uniform health benefits across all communities.

 

  1. Fluoridation Levels and Monitoring:
    • Fluoride levels in drinking water produced by the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority are carefully maintained between 0.65 – 0.75 parts per million (ppm), well below the EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 4 ppm.
    • Water quality parameters, including fluoride levels, are monitored multiple times daily and reported, ensuring the water you receive meets or exceeds state and federal safety requirements.

 

  1. Recent Court Ruling on Fluoride:
    • A recent federal court ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has directed the United States EPA to re-examine the health risks of fluoride, particularly its potential effects on children’s cognitive development. However, no new regulations have been enacted, and the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority remains in full compliance with existing state and federal laws.

 

  1. How to Address Concerns:
    • Residents who have concerns about fluoridation should direct their questions to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Watershed Protection Branch, Drinking Water Compliance Unit as they oversee water quality mandates. Sean Early is the manager of the Georgia EPD’s Drinking Water Compliance Unit. Mr. Early can be reached at 470-251-2624.   https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/drinking-water
    • Additionally, concerns can be addressed to the Georgia Governor’s Office since individual counties and water authorities cannot unilaterally change fluoride practices without state approval.  https://gov.georgia.gov/

 

At the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, we strive to provide safe, sustainable, and reliable drinking water that supports the region. Our goal is to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest water quality standards.

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