Calgary is reintroducing fluoride to its drinking water supply starting Monday, nearly four years after residents voted in favour of the public health measure in the 2021 municipal election. The practice, which aims to prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth, was previously in place from 1991 to 2011. The city will now ensure water contains 0.7 milligrams per litre of fluoride, matching Health Canada's optimal rate. The reintroduction cost $28.1 million for equipment and will incur $1 million annually in operating costs.
Calgary set to reintroduce fluoride to its water supply on Monday
AirdrieAlbertaCalgaryCanadaChestermereEdmontonFoothills CountyLethbridgeRed DeerRocky View CountyStrathmoreTsuut'ina NationAlberta Health ServicesCity of CalgaryCumming School of MedicineHealth CanadaUniversity of CalgaryGian-Carlo CarraJames DickinsonJuliet GuichonHealthTooth decayPublic healthFluoridation
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Calgary is reintroducing fluoride to its drinking water supply starting Monday, nearly four years after residents voted in favour of the public health measure in the 2021 municipal election. The practice, which aims to prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth, was previously in place from 1991 to 2011. The city will now ensure water contains 0.7 milligrams per litre of fluoride, matching Health Canada's optimal rate. The reintroduction cost $28.1 million for equipment and will incur $1 million annually in operating costs.
Trending- 1 1957-1987 (approx): Calgarians voted against fluoride four times
- 2 1967: Edmonton's water continuously fluoridated
- 3 1989: Plebiscite successful in securing voter support for fluoride
- 4 1991: Fluoride added to Calgary's water supply
- 5 1998: Voters supported fluoride again in plebiscite
- 6 2011: Calgary city council directed administration to discontinue fluoridation
- 7 2021: University of Calgary research found Grade 2 students in Calgary more likely to have cavities than in Edmonton
- 8 2021: Over 61% of Calgarians voted in favour of community water fluoridation in municipal election
- 9 2021: City council voted 13-2 to renew community water fluoridation
- 10 September 2024 (planned): Original implementation date (delayed)
- 11 Monday (June 30, 2025): Fluoride reintroduction begins
- Improved dental health for Calgarians, especially children and seniors
- Reduction in cavities over time
- Cost of $28.1 million for reintroduction equipment
- Annual cost of $1 million for operation, covered by water rates
- Impact on water supply for Chestermere, Airdrie, Strathmore, Foothills County, Rocky View County, and Tsuut'ina Nation
What: The City of Calgary is reintroducing fluoride to its drinking water supply.
When: Beginning Monday (June 30, 2025).
Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and communities supplied by Calgary's water (Chestermere, Airdrie, Strathmore, parts of Foothills County, Rocky View County, Tsuut'ina Nation).
Why: To prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth as a public health measure, following a 2021 plebiscite where over 61% of Calgarians voted in favour, and based on data showing negative dental health impacts after its removal in 2011.
How: The City of Calgary installed necessary equipment at Glenmore and Bearspaw water treatment plants and will ensure 0.7 milligrams per litre of fluoride in the water.