 From Logan County, the Atlanta Water Department, Illinois American
Water Co. in Lincoln, the Mount Pulaski Water Department and New
Holland Water Department were recognized for meeting the state
guidelines every month in 2013. Illinois American Water in Lincoln
has earned the commendation for at least 15 consecutive years, and
the Mount Pulaski Water Department has been recognized for at least
five consecutive years.The Boardwell Water Department received
honorable mention for compliance in 11 of 12 months last year.
Of those recognized, 66 water systems earned a commendation for
meeting the state-recommended fluoride levels of 0.9 to 1.2 parts
per million for at least five consecutive years; 63 systems for at
least 10 years; 53 for at least 15 years; 43 for at least 20 years;
nine for at least 25 years; and three for at least 30 years. Another
107 water systems received honorable mention for meeting state
fluoride levels 11 of 12 months in 2013.
For a complete list of water systems receiving the 2013
compliance awards,
click here (PDF).
Also, Gov. Pat Quinn proclaimed March 17-23 to be Water and
Wastewater Operator's Week in Illinois.
In Illinois, approximately 99 percent of the people served by
public water systems receive the benefit of fluoridated drinking
water, compared with the current national average of approximately
72 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.
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"Water fluoridation can improve overall oral health for both
children and adults. Studies show water fluoridation reduces tooth
decay by about 25 percent over a person's lifetime," said IDPH
Director LaMar Hasbrouck. "Studies also show that widespread
community water fluoridation saves money for both families and the
health care system. We applaud those communities that maintain
levels of fluoride in their water systems and encourage them to
continue their efforts."
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental
Association and the last five surgeons general have stated that
water fluoridation is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention called fluoridation one of the 10 great
public health achievements of the 20th century.
CDC has long acknowledged the public benefits of fluoridation of
water systems. 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 fact, drinking fluoridated water from birth can reduce
tooth decay by 40 to 65 percent.
Educating communities on important health benefits is one of
IDPH's priorities as the state's public health authority. More on
IDPH priorities can be found in the department's strategy for
2014-2018:
IDPH Five Year Strategy (PDF).
[Text from
Illinois Department of Public
Health file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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