ALBUQUERQUE BERNALILLO COUNTY
WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY
BILL NO. F/S R-14-6 |
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION REGARDING SUPPLEMENTAL FLUORIDATION OF THE MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2011 issued a new proposed recommendation for the optimal level of fluoridation in drinking water and indicated that a final recommendation would be forthcoming in that year; and
WHEREAS, the CDC's proposed recommended optimal fluoridation level was 0.7 parts per million pending the final recommendation; and
WHEREAS, the previous recommended optimal level of fluoride was 0.7-1.2 parts per million; and
WHEREAS, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) ceased adding supplemental fluoride to the municipal water supply in 2011 pending issuance of the final CDC recommendation; and
WHEREAS, the average fluoridation level naturally occurring in the Water Authority distribution system of 0.5 parts per million provides some dental benefit without exceeding the interim recommendation; and
WHEREAS, the final recommendation from HHS/CDC regarding optimal fluoridation levels has not in fact been forthcoming; and
WHEREAS, additional information and guidance from HHS/CDC is necessary before the Water Authority makes a final decision regarding resumption of supplemental fluoridation of the municipal water supply
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WATER AUTHORITY
SECTION 1. The Water Authority shall petition the New Mexico Congressional delegation to request expedited action on the part of HHS/CDC to issue the final optimal recommended fluoride level; and
SECTION 2. Pending issuance of the final optimal recommended fluoride level by HHS/CDC, the Water Authority shall continue the practice of not adding supplemental fluoride to the municipal water supply; and
SECTION 3. Upon issuance of the final optimal recommended fluoride level by HHS/CDC, Water Authority staff shall present that recommendation to the Water Authority Governing Board (Board) for consideration; and
SECTION 4. In the interest of public oral health, the Water Authority shall enter discussions with the Albuquerque Public Schools, City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Dental Association to collaborate with these entities on public awareness activities regarding dental health, possibly to include distribution of fluoride dental hygiene products for children and low-income residents.