The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today (Friday), that 79 Iowa communities have been recognized by the CDC as Water Fluoridation Quality Award recipients. Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities that maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout 2011. Among the communities honored by the CDC was: Anita, Atlantic, Audubon, Bayard, Carroll, Carson, Casey,  Elk Horn, Greenfield, Griswold,  Harlan, Logan, Minden,  Onawa, Red Oak, Shenandoah, and Villisca. The West Central Rural Water Association, which serves several communities, was also honored.

IDPH State Public Health Dental Director, Dr. Bob Russell said “We are pleased that so many Iowa communities have achieved this measure of excellence in their water fluoridation programs. Community water fluoridation is one of the most effective means available for avoiding tooth decay, preventing at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults.”

Nationally, 2500 water systems in 33 states received the awards, which is a significant increase in the number of participating states and water systems from previous years. For more information on the IDPH Fluoridation program, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/fluoridation.asp. For information about the benefits of fluoridation, see www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/benefits/background.htm.