Seven Michigan water systems receive national fluoridation awards

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announces seven Michigan water systems have been awarded the 2023 Community Water Fluoridation 50 Year Award from the American Dental Association, Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The seven systems are Allegan, Bangor, Blissfield, Boyne City, Manchester, New Buffalo and Portage.

Recipients are recognized for continuously adjusting and maintaining the amount of fluoride in drinking water for the prevention of tooth decay in adults and children. The award is given to those communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water for 50 consecutive years, starting in 1973.

"MDHHS celebrates the Michigan communities exceeding CDC recommendations by having 90 percent of our population on community water systems accessing fluoridated water," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "These awards demonstrate the commitment to high quality water determined by CDC. Water fluoridation has proven its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one's lifetime and keeping Michigan residents healthy."

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. It has been recognized by the CDC as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. The CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective and inexpensive method of preventing decay.

In 2023, a total of 86 public water systems in 26 states received these awards, including seven communities in Michigan. Nationally, nearly 75% (more than 211 million people) served by community water systems have access to optimally fluoridated tap water.

For more information about community water fluoridation, visit the CDC website.

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