Arizona Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation is a crucial public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and promote better oral health. In Arizona, the state has made significant strides in providing access to fluoridated water for its residents. However, there is still room for improvement when compared to the national average.

According to the most recent data, 58% of Arizona’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water in 2018. While this represents a steady increase from 52.2% in 2008, it still falls below the national average of 72.7% in 2020.

• In 2018, Arizona had 4,028,381 persons receiving fluoridated water out of 6,942,498 persons served by community water systems, which is a 58.0% fluoridation percentage.
• Research shows that every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in unnecessary costs for dental treatment.
• The national average cost of filling one cavity is more than twice the cost of providing optimally fluoridated water to an individual for a lifetime.

Arizona’s Fluoridation Efforts

Arizona has made efforts to improve access to fluoridated water for its residents. Ten Arizona communities, including Bisbee, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Guadalupe, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Tempe, and Yuma, fluoridate their water supply to the optimal level.

• The State of Arizona does not mandate fluoridation, leaving the decision to local governments and city councils.
• Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona, has been fluoridating its water since 1990 and continues to do so despite occasional debates on the topic.

National Fluoridation Statistics

While Arizona’s fluoridation coverage is lower than the national average, it’s important to look at the broader picture of water fluoridation in the United States.

• In 2018, 63.4% of the total US population and 73.0% of the population on community water systems received fluoridated drinking water.
• The Healthy People 2030 objective aims for 77.1% of people served by community water systems to receive water with the optimum level of fluoride.
• By 2006, 69.2% of the U.S. population on public water systems were receiving fluoridated water, showing the progress made over time.

Arizona has demonstrated a commitment to improving oral health through water fluoridation, despite the state’s fluoridation coverage being below the national average. As more communities recognize the benefits of fluoridation, it’s likely that Arizona will continue to make progress in providing access to this important public health measure. With the support of state and local officials, as well as dental health professionals, Arizona can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to the benefits of fluoridated water.