The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced that 11 water systems in Oklahoma have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the year 2020.
Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities which achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent optimal level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2020.
“The Oklahoma State Department of Health supports community water fluoridation and recognizes the practice as beneficial to all who drink and use the water,” said Dr. Jana Winfree, Director of Dental Health Service. “Preventive dental care programs, such as community water fluoridation, make a real difference in improving the health of Oklahomans.”
Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.
A total of 1,292 public water systems in 29 states received the award for 2020.
The following Oklahoma water systems received awards:
- A.B. Jewell Water Treatment Plant (Tulsa)
- Bartlesville Water Treatment Plant
- Draper Water Treatment Plant (Oklahoma City)
- Hefner Water Treatment Plant (Oklahoma City)
- City of Madill
- Mohawk Water Treatment Plant (Tulsa)
- Muskogee Water Treatment Plant
- Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority (OOWA) – Pryor Creek
- Ponca City Municipal Water
- City of Sand Springs
- Tahlequah Public Works Authority – Lake Tenkiller Plant
Source: press release