(Des Moines, IA) The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today (Friday) announced that 94 community water systems in Iowa have been awarded Water Fluoridation Quality Awards from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The award recognizes water systems that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2020. A total of 1,292 public water systems in 29 states received the award.

Among the communities/water systems awarded 2020 Iowa WFQ awards, are those in:

• Atlantic (AMU)
• Audubon (Audubon Water Supply)
• Casey Water Supply
• Council Bluffs Water Works
• Denison Water Supply
• Dexter Water Supply
• Elk Horn Municipal Water Works
• Glenwood Municipal Utilities (GMU)
• Griswold Water Supply
• Harlan Municipal Utilities (HMU)
• the Logan Water Plant
• Malvern Water Supply
• Manilla Municipal Service Department
• Minden Water Supply
• Red Oak Water Supply
• Regional Water
• Shelby Water Supply
• West Central Iowa Rural Water Assn., Boyer
• West Central Iowa Rural Water Assn., Nishnabotna
• Winterset Municipal Water Works

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing cavities. Community water fluoridation is recognized by the CDC as one of the great 20th century public health achievements. “It is exciting to have 94 Iowa water systems recognized on a national level for their commitment to oral health,” stated Dr. Bob Russell, dental director for the Iowa Department of Public Health. “I congratulate all of the community water systems for their efforts to provide safe, dependable drinking water to our communities–including helping to prevent cavities using water fluoridation.”

The CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent cavities and improve oral health. The Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems at IDPH monitors the fluoride levels of Iowa communities and provides information and assistance to water supply professionals, healthcare professionals, and the public.

IDPH supports CDC-approved fluoridation programs. To find the fluoridation status of Iowa counties and towns, visit My Water’s Fluoride here: https://nccd.cdc.gov/doh_mwf/Default/Default.aspx