• Do you fluoridate your water?
• Is bottled water as safe as tap water?

Do you fluoridate your water?

The fluoride issue is one of the most frequent water quality questions that we receive from our customers. There are many schools of thought regarding this matter among scientists, medical professionals and legal experts. Fluoride has become one of our nation's most controversial water supply issues.

Levels of natural fluoride are non-detectable in the water supplies of this area. The North Wales Water Authority does not fluoridate the water we distribute to our customers. Listed below are some of the reasons why we do not fluoridate our water:

• The costs associated with fluoridating the entire water supply are extremely high and we would have little control as to how and where the water is used. Of all the water that the Authority produces and distributes, less than 3% is actually consumed. Most of the water produced is flushed down toilets, used for showers and baths, for cleaning purposes, watering lawns and gardens, fire protection, or a myriad of other non-consumable uses.
• It is impossible to consistently supply any medication through the drinking water system because the effect is proportional to the quantity consumed in relation to the weight and condition of the individual. In addition, people are unique in their sensitivities and their reactions may vary.
• The equipment necessary to add fluoride to the water and regulate the dosage to these strict parameters is very costly and would be needed at each source of supply. The chemicals used in the fluoridation process are extremely toxic, are corrosive to equipment, and pose health-related dangers to operating personnel.
• Many users such as electronics manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and some food processors cannot tolerate fluoride in their process water. For them, removing it from the water is very difficult and extremely costly because the fluoride molecule is very small.
• Fluoride can remain in food and beverages that are processed with fluoridated water. This, in conjunction with drinking fluoridated water, can exceed levels that can initiate adverse health effects.
• People who are 'immune deficient,' undergoing chemotherapy, or are experiencing various other health problems cannot consume fluoridated water.

A half-century after its introduction in the United States, the debate over whether or not to fluoridate the public water supply still remains.

The production and delivery of safe potable water at the lowest reasonable cost is the object of greatest priority to the North Wales Water Authority. We are fortunate to have one of the most technically advanced water treatment facilities in the United States and can provide our customers with an abundant supply of superior quality water to meet their demands. But, as water quality standards are dramatically on the increase and water purveyors are under constant regulatory scrutiny to upgrade systems and initiate new programs, issues such as fluoride need to be addressed in a cost-effective manner that will insure the long-term health and safety of each and every customer.

Is bottled water as safe as tap water?

For years, the bottled water industry has distanced itself from tap water by making bold claims about the superior quality of their product. It has been the fastest growing commodity in the beverage industry as consumers grow increasingly convinced that bottled water is a better alternative to tap water. But now the boom is in danger of fading as regulators are asked to set and enforce stricter rules on bottled water and bring it inline with public water supply regulations. Now, the bottled water industry is claiming their product is as safe as tap water.

Unlike public water suppliers who are regulated by both federal and state guidelines, bottled water falls into a gray area with little or no requirements. New regulations could create major changes to an industry in which perceived quality is the most important ingredient.  

Nearly 70 percent of the bottled water sold in the United States is exempt from any FDA contamination limits and specific bottled water standards because it is bottled and sold in the same state. Additionally, products described on the ingredient label as water, carbonated water, disinfected water, filtered water, seltzer water, sparkling water, or soda water are not considered bottled water by the FDA and are not covered under the standards.

Price, appearance and advertising have all contributed to bottled water's success and perceived value. According to the Beverage Marketing Group this strategy continues to work. During the past decade national bottled water revenues have tripled to about $4 billion per year. Americans drank an estimated 3.6 billion gallons of the product in 1998 (about 13.3 gallons per person) and sales have been increasing nearly 10 percent annually.

Unlike the bottled water industry, the North Wales Water Authority is a licensed purveyor of public drinking water. We are regulated by the Federal and Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Acts which require the routine monitoring and reporting of approximately 90 drinking water contaminants. We are also required to provide these results in an annual water quality report to every consumer that we serve.  As a North Wales Water Authority customer, you are guaranteed that we are delivering the finest drinking water available.