Fluoride for Newman and Kununurra

The towns of Kununurra and Newman will get fluoridated drinking water in 2017.

The Department of Health made the announcement this morning, saying the communities were among the “few un-fluoridated pockets remaining” in Western Australia.

“Community water fluoridation is an important, cost-effective public health measure which plays a critical role in reducing dental decay and improving oral health,” the statement said.

“The benefits and safety of fluoridation of public drinking water supplies is supported by overwhelming scientific evidence.

Fluoridated drinking water particularly benefits children and those on a lower income as it is delivered directly into their home at no incremental cost.”

Fluoridation of the public water supplies is scheduled for completion by December 2017.

More than 90 per cent of the Western Australian population, including most regional areas, have had fluoridated water supplies for more than 40 years.

For more information on community water fluoridation visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au and search “fluoride in drinking water” or call (08) 9388 4999.