Colorado Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation is a common practice in Colorado, with the majority of the state’s population having access to fluoridated water through their community water systems. This article will provide an overview of the current state of water fluoridation in Colorado, including key statistics and comparisons to national averages.

Here are some of the most notable statistics about water fluoridation in Colorado:

• In 2018, 74.9% of Colorado’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water.
• Colorado’s 2018 figure of 74.9% is slightly above the national average of 72.7% in 2020.
• In 2013, water fluoridation saved Americans over $6 billion in dental work, with savings of $32 per capita in tooth decay prevention.

Access to Fluoridated Water in Colorado

According to the most recent data available, a significant portion of Colorado’s population has access to fluoridated water.

• In 2018, Colorado had 4,040,612 persons receiving fluoridated water out of 5,396,543 persons served by community water systems (CWS), which is a 74.9% fluoridation percentage.

Changes in Access Over Time

The percentage of Colorado’s population with access to fluoridated water has fluctuated over the years.

• In 1992, the rate was 81.7%, which decreased to 76.9% in 2000, and then to 73.6% in 2006.
• However, by 2012, the rate increased to 72.4% and continued to rise to 74.9% by 2018.

Comparison to National Averages

Colorado’s water fluoridation rates are comparable to national averages.

• Nationally, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water in 2020.
• Colorado’s 2018 figure of 74.9% is slightly above the national average.

Legislation and Public Health Support

While Colorado does not have a state mandate for fluoridation, local governments and water authorities manage fluoridation policies.

• Denver Water, for example, has been involved in community water fluoridation and manages fluoride levels according to public health recommendations.

Economic Benefits of Fluoridation

Water fluoridation has been shown to provide significant economic benefits by reducing the need for dental treatments.

• A study by the Colorado School of Public Health found that in 2013, water fluoridation saved Americans over $6 billion in dental work, with savings of $32 per capita in tooth decay prevention.

In conclusion, Colorado has a relatively high rate of water fluoridation compared to some other states, with ongoing support for the practice within the state to promote oral health. Despite some fluctuations over the years, the majority of Colorado’s population served by community water systems has access to fluoridated water, which is slightly above the national average. The economic benefits of water fluoridation are also substantial, with significant savings in dental treatment costs.