Murray Shire To Fluoridate Water Supply For Improved Dental Health
Following the decision of Council at its meeting on Tuesday 16 January 2007, the Murray Shire has commenced preparations to fluoridate its water supply.
Murray Shire General Manager, Greg Murdoch, said that Council was in the very early development stages, and that every precaution would be taken to ensure that water fluoridation is implemented in a safe and correct process as outlined in the Code of Practice for the fluoridation of public water supplies.
“The NSW Department of Health and the Department of Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability approval process for water fluoridation includes specifications, tenders for equipment, staff training, safety procedures, testing and maintenance. We expect that this approval process could take up to six months” said Mr Murdoch.
“Our overall aim is to provide quality water that at all times exceeds the Australian Drinking Water Standards, and water that will enhance the health of the community in the Murray Shire” he said.
Water fluoridation is strongly supported by the NSW Department of Health, the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Medical Association and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Council intends to apply for the 100 percent subsidy provided by the NSW Department of Health to encourage Councils to implement water fluoridation.
“The Murray Shire will make every endeavour to provide our communities with all the information they require about water fluoridation, including the health benefits and precautions required for residents with certain medical conditions” said Mr Murdoch.
“Council will work closely with our community health care providers, to look after residents with medically proven conditions, such as renal failure, to ensure that water fluoridation does not adversely affect their health.”
The Murray Shire Council encourages all feedback and concerns to be directed to:
The General Manager
Murray Shire Council
PO Box 21,
Mathoura NSW 2710
All correspondence will be handled with upmost discretion and care.
Further information on Water Fluoridation can be found at: www.fluoridenow.com.au
Contact details
Ian Fisher, Director of Engineering Services
03 5884 3400 (ph)
03 5884 3417 (fax)
ifisher@murray.nsw.gov.au
