Bristol Water does not add -- and currently has no plans to add -- fluoride to the water it supplies.

In the past, local health authorities could ask water companies to fluoridate, but the companies could refuse. Under new legislation, the health authorities have the power to compel companies to fluoridate, after local public consultation. The possibility is now being investigated in this area --but before any fluoride could be added, payment of the costs involved would have to be agreed, plus customers would have to be consulted.

Fluoride is a health issue. We believe health professionals should make decisions about public health measures, not water companies. If required by the health authorities, and provided all legal requirements have been met, we would have to fluoridate.

The water we supply naturally contains between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/l (parts per million) of fluoride. The maximum concentration of fluoride allowed in the water is 1.5 mg/l; there is no low limit.

Further information about fluoridation can be obtained from the local Health Protection Unit, King Square House, King Square, Bristol BS2 8EE or from the DWI (Drinking Water Inspectorate), Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE (website = www.dwi.gov.uk)

Shown below is an extract from NHS Bristol Board meeting minutes:

Fluoridation of Bristol’s Water Supplies

Dr Hugh Annett presented this item to the board, explaining the background and briefing the board on the preliminary work undertaken to consider the issues involved. It was explained that subsequent to Department of Health guidance NHS South West had requested that its constituent PCTs form a view as to whether fluoridation of the water supply might be an effective means of improving dental health and reducing inequalities in their respective populations.

The board was informed that the preliminary work contained in the report presented did not provide a basis for the PCT making a decision as to whether it should support or invest in water fluoridation. It did however indicate that NHS South West would be justified in commissioning a study from Bristol Water Plc to assess the technical feasibility and cost of fluoridating the water supply to Bristol and neighbouring areas. The technical feasibility study was an essential prerequisite to the Strategic Health Authority’s decision to as to whether or not it should undertake a formal, statutory, public consultation as required by legislation.

It was noted that the timescale for the feasibility study would not coincide with local elections, and that a paper had already been presented to the local Scrutiny Committee.

It was explained that the feasibility study looked at the technicalities of fluoridation; further research as to the impact of dental decay on children in relation to school attendance, pain and suffering experienced and cost and impact of anaesthesia would need to be conducted by the PCT as part of its role to inform and consult the public.

It was acknowledged that the possibility of water fluoridation was only one element of the overall dental strategy The board noted that its decisions in relation to the paper before it in no way represented a commitment on the part of Bristol PCT to the fluoridation of the water supplies to Bristol.

The Board:

§ Noted the report to the board which included an estimate of the potential health benefits of water fluoridation.

§ Noted the likely interest in the subject from the public and the media.

§ Agreed that Bristol PCT should request that the Strategic Health Authority to commission a technical feasibility study of fluoridation from Bristol Water Plc.

Agreed that the PCT should engage the Strategic Health Authority, neighbouring PCTs, Bristol City Council, local residents, and other stakeholders to ensure that there is timely and appropriate communication of the purpose of the feasibility study and the options for further engagement and consultation following its publication.

NHS Bristol, South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS1 3NX

* For the position of the Consumer Council for Water, see http://www.ccwater.org.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.1790