 The award ceremony was on Wednesday, during the 2009 Illinois
Section Water Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Local
water companies receiving the award were Illinois American Water
Co.-Lincoln, Mount Pulaski Water Department, New Holland Water
Department and Emden Water Department."Community water
fluoridation is an efficient, economical way to promote dental
health. We applaud the communities who fulfill the state-mandated
levels of fluoride in their water systems and encourage them to
continue their efforts," said Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public
health director. "Water fluoridation is an effective way to prevent
tooth decay and improve overall oral health for both children and
adults."
Of those recognized, 108 systems earned a commendation for
meeting state-recommended fluoride levels of 0.9 to 1.2 parts per
million for at least five consecutive years; 78 for at least 10
years; 46 for at least 15 years; eight for at least 20 years; and
three for at least 25 years. Another 106 received honorable mention
for meeting state-recommended fluoride levels 11 of 12 months in
2008.
"We join Public Health in congratulating these water supply
operators for their diligence in maintaining optimum fluoride levels
for the benefit of the public," said IEPA Director Doug Scott.
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Fluoride in drinking water helps improve the quality of life through
less tooth decay, reduced time lost from school and work, and less
money spent to restore, remove or replace decayed teeth. In
Illinois, 99 percent of those served by public water systems receive
the benefit of fluoridated drinking water, compared with the current
national average of 66 percent.
Fluoride is found naturally in water, but in many communities the
amount of the mineral is too low and does not meet the required
standards. Water operators will add fluoride to fulfill optimal
health benefits to the communities. Of the 1,850 water supplies in
Illinois, 853 systems adjust fluoride levels.
Illinois communities have practiced water fluoridation for more
than 60 years, and fluoride continues to prove beneficial in the
battle against tooth decay. In fact, drinking fluoridated water from
birth can reduce tooth decay by 40 to 65 percent. Water fluoridation
benefits more than 200 million Americans, including 12.4 million in
Illinois.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
