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Fluoride Removal from our Water Supply

Please note that in accordance with the Town of Okotoks' new Water System Approval # 1029-03-00, issued December 13, 2012, the addition of fluoride into the town's drinking water ceased effective Thursday, December 20, 2012.

An alternative program for access to oral health examination and topical fluoride varnish for children aged 12-25 months has been developed in partnership with Alberta Health Services and the Primary Care Network and will be administered through the Okotoks Healthy Family Resource Center. Preschool Oral Health Clinic (184 KB) Adobe For more information on the alternative program please contact: Debbie Posey, Family and Community Support Services Team Leader Ph: 403-938-8935

Background on Fluoride Removal from Town of Okotoks Water Supply

The Town of Okotoks voted to discontinue fluoridation of the municipal water supply. Town Council also directed Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Okotoks Healthy Family Resource Centre to implement strategies to support residents who are at risk of dental caries (cavities). FCSS worked with Alberta Health Services (Oral Health) and the Primary Care Network to develop a plan to help families with young children. (Other strategies include enhanced promotion of good oral health practices.)
 
Council Motion on Fluoride Removal
 
Please read the excerpt from the Unadopted Minutes of April 23 with respect to fluoridation which were passed by Council:

MOTION:

That Council repeal the existing fluoridation bylaw and direct Administration to apply to Alberta Environment to discontinue the insertion of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid into Okotoks' public drinking water.

MOTION:

That Council direct Administration to consult with Alberta Health Services to ensure a program is in place to provide topical fluoride treatments and/or fluoridated toothpaste to assist individuals at risk of dental caries.

History of Fluoride in Okotoks Water Supply
Currently the Town of Okotoks' water supply is fluoridated by Epcor Water Services as directed by Town Council. Fluoride naturally occurs in the Sheep River in concentrations varying throughout the year, between 0.22 and 0.23 mg/L. The Town adds fluoride to the municipal water supply in a concentration of 0 .75 mg/L on average per month following Alberta Environment water system approvals that are based on Health Canada's recommendations. Health Canada's maximum acceptable concentration of fluoride in water is 1.5mg/L. Epcor Water Services monitors the quality of water in its watersheds. Results are made public in the annual Water Quality Report.
Fluoride Survey

An online survey was offered to residents to express their concerns with continuing or discontinuing fluoridation of our water supply. The online survey started at 8 am on Tuesday, March 27 and closed on Thursday, April 12 at 5 pm.

Non-Statutory Public Hearing
A Non-Statutory Public Hearing was held on March 26, 2012 at 7pm at Council Chambers.
Presenters:

Dr. James Beck, MD, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Medical Biophysics, University of Calgary; Author of The Case Against Fluoride
Against Fluoridation of Drinking Water

Dr. Richard Musto, MD, FRCP
Medical Officer of Health, Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services; Clinical Associate Professor, University of Calgary
For Fluoridation of Drinking Water