DELAWARE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS HONORED:CDC FLUORIDATION AWARD

The Delaware Division of Public Health announced today that 30 Delaware communities have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This award is granted to communities that adjust and achieve a fluoride level in drinking water that is optimal in the prevention of tooth decay for 12 consecutive months in a year. For 2011, a total of 2500 water systems in 33 states received these awards, a significant increase in the number of participating states and water systems that received awards in previous years.

"We are pleased that more states and communities than ever have achieved this measure of excellence in their water fluoridation programs," stated Dr. William Bailey, DDS, MPH, acting director of the CDC Division of Oral Health. "Community water fluoridation is one of the most effective means available for avoiding tooth decay, preventing at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults."

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20th Century. Currently, nearly three-quarters (204 million people) served by community water systems have access to optimally fluoridated tap water. CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of preventing decay. In fact, every $1 invested in fluoridation saves at least $38 in costs for dental treatment.

"We want to congratulate all of the water system operators for their diligent effort to maintain optimum fluoride levels," said Dr. Gregory McClure, the State's dental director. "Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter that protects not only children but also adults from the destructive effects of tooth decay."

Water Fluoridation Quality Award List:

• Artesian Water Co
• Bethany Beach Water Dept
• Bridgeville Water Department
• Clayton Water Department
• Delaware City Water Depart
• Delmar Water Department
• Dewey Beach
• Dover Water Depart
• Fox Hunter (Choptank)
• Georgetown Water Department
• Greenwood Water Depart
• Harrington Water Depart
• Laurel Water Depart
• Lewes Water Department
• Magnolia
• Middletown
• Milford Water Depart
• Milton Water Department
• New Castle Water Department
• Newark Water Depart
• Rehoboth Beach Water Depart
• Seaford Water Department
• Selbyville Water Department
• Smyrna Water Department
• South Bethany
• Town of Blades
• Town of Henlopen Acres
• Townsend
• United Water Delaware
• Wilmington Water Department

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.