The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced 79 Iowa communities, including several in the KJAN listening area, have been recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 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.

“We are pleased that so many Iowa communities have achieved this measure of excellence in their water fluoridation programs,” said Dr. Bob Russell, dental director for the Department of Public Health. “Community water fluoridation is one of the most effective means available for avoiding tooth decay.”

Nationally, 2,500 water systems in 33 states received these awards, a significant increase from previous years.

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Southwest Iowa communities honored include:  Atlantic, Anita, Casey, Elk Horn, Greenfield, Griswold, Harlan, Red Oak, Shenandoah, and Villisca.