Connecticut State Department of Public Health

The Federal Government has reopened COVIDtests.gov. Every household can order four over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Please visit COVIDtests.gov for your free test.

What is water fluoridation?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is shown to protect against tooth decay. Almost all water has some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually not enough to prevent tooth decay. The amount of fluoride in many drinking water supplies is changed to a level to help reduce tooth decay and promote good oral health. This practice is known as water fluoridation. Thousands of research studies have shown that water fluoridation is safe, effective and the best way to improve oral health in a community. Given the large decrease in tooth decay during the past 60 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named water fluoridation One of Ten Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century

What are the requirements for water fluoridation in Connecticut?

Fluoridation became a law in Connecticut on May 18, 1965, initiated by Public Act 156. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 19a-38:

Public Water Systems (PWSs) serving 50,000 or more were required to begin fluoridation on January 1, 1967, and PWSs serving 20,000 to 49,999 people were required to begin fluoridation on October 1, 1967. Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 19a-38 states that Community Public Water Systems (PWS) that serve over 20,000 people must adjust the fluoride level of the drinking water so as to maintain an average monthly fluoride content that is not more or less than 0.15 mg/L different than the United States Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) most recent recommendation for optimal fluoride levels in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. U.S. Public Health Service Recommendation for Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water for the Prevention of Dental Caries - PMC (nih.gov)

  • As of April 2015, the HHS’ Optimal Fluoride Level is at 0.7 mg/L.
  • PWSs adjusting the fluoride level of the water shall maintain a fluoride monthly average of between 0.55 mg/L to 0.85 mg/L with a target of 0.7 mg/L, the optimal fluoride level.

Additional Information