Starting June 30, fluoride will once again be added to Calgary’s drinking water, marking the city's return to the practice more than a decade after it was discontinued. The move follows a 2021 plebiscite during the civic election in which 62% of voters supported reintroducing fluoridation as a public health measure.The City of Calgary says the decision is aimed at improving oral health and preventing dental cavities across the population. Once implemented, Calgary will align with other Alberta municipalities including Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, all of which currently fluoridate their water supply.Naturally occurring fluoride levels in the Bow and Elbow Rivers will be supplemented to reach the optimal concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter, as recommended by Health Canada’s national guidelines. Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in soil, air, and water.Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Alberta Health Services, and the Government of Alberta all support fluoridation, citing decades of research that show it is safe, cost-effective, and particularly beneficial for individuals with limited access to dental care. More than 90 health organizations around the world endorse community water fluoridation.To support the reintroduction, the city spent $28.1 million on infrastructure upgrades at its water treatment plants, with ongoing annual operating and maintenance costs of $1 million. According to the city, this equates to less than 10 cents per person each month and is fully covered through existing water rates, with no reliance on property tax funding.But a landmark Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study has shown a link between high fluoride levels in drinking water and brain development of children, leading to lower IQs.The 324-page report found that drinking water with fluoride concentrations of more than 1.5 milligrams per liter was associated with a drop in IQ scores of up to five points.Additional information about the Calgary project is available at calgary.ca/fluoride.
