Great Lakes Wire

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

Recipients of this award are acknowledged for their continuous efforts in adjusting and maintaining fluoride levels in drinking water to prevent tooth decay in both adults and children. This accolade is given to communities that have consistently maintained optimal fluoride levels in their water supply for 50 consecutive years since 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 involves adjusting fluoride levels in water to an optimal level for preventing tooth decay. The CDC has recognized it as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century. According to the CDC, water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of preventing dental decay.

In 2023, a total of 86 public water systems across 26 states received these awards. 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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