[Water_news] 5. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: AGENCIES, PROGRAMS, PEOPLE - 6/11/08

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment

 

June 11, 2008

 

5. Agencies, Programs, People –

 

 

Fluoridation on its way to S.D. water supply

San Diego Union Tribune – 6/11/08

 

SAN DIEGO: San Diego is on the way to losing its distinction as the nation's largest city without fluoridated water.

 

On a unanimous vote yesterday, the council authorized Mayor Jerry Sanders to begin negotiations with the First 5 Commission of San Diego for $3.9 million to put fluoride in drinking water at the city's three water treatment plants.

 

The money will pay for two years of maintenance and operation of the fluoridation program. After that, the city will not be obligated to continue the program if it cannot fund it.

 

By state law, California cities with 10,000 or more water customers must fluoridate drinking water if they have the money to do so. The First 5 Commission uses voter-approved tobacco tax money to pay for programs that promote children's health and development in the county.

 

Health professionals and others debated the issue for about two hours yesterday. Proponents said fluoride in the water would improve the dental health of children. Opponents said the chemical causes heart disease and hip fractures and harms babies.

 

About 9 percent of city water users began receiving fluoridated water in December through the Metropolitan Water District. –R.W.P. #

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/health/20080611-0701-1bo11fluoride.html

 

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