New Jersey Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation is a crucial public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. However, New Jersey ranks among the lowest in the nation when it comes to the percentage of its population with access to fluoridated water. Let’s dive into the current state of water fluoridation in New Jersey and explore some key statistics.

Here are some eye-opening facts about New Jersey’s fluoridation coverage:

• New Jersey ranks 49th out of 50 states in the percentage of its population that drinks fluoridated public water.
• Only about 16.2% of New Jersey residents had access to fluoridated water in 2018, significantly below the national average of 72.7% in 2020.
• New Jersey does not mandate statewide fluoridation, leaving the decision to local governments and city councils.

Low Fluoridation Coverage Compared to Other States

New Jersey’s fluoridation coverage is among the lowest in the country.

• The state ranks 49th out of 50 states in the percentage of its population that drinks fluoridated public water.
• Nationally, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water in 2020, while New Jersey’s figure was only about 16.2% in 2018.

Minimal Change in Access Over Time

New Jersey’s fluoridation coverage has remained relatively stagnant over the years.

• The percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water in New Jersey was 14.6% in 2014 and increased only slightly to 16.2% in 2018.
• This slow growth indicates a lack of significant progress in expanding fluoridation coverage across the state.

Local Control Over Fluoridation Policies

New Jersey’s fluoridation policies are determined at the local level.

• New Jersey does not mandate fluoridation statewide, leaving the decision to local governments and city councils.
• City councils can begin or discontinue fluoridation at their discretion or through a referendum vote.
• Some specific communities in New Jersey, such as Atlantic City and Egg Harbor City, have fluoridated water, but the overall low percentage indicates that most towns in the state do not.

Public Health Impact of Low Fluoridation

The low fluoridation rate in New Jersey means that many residents are missing out on the benefits of this important public health measure.

• Fluoridation is recognized for its role in preventing tooth decay, but New Jersey’s low coverage means that a large portion of its residents do not receive these benefits through their public water supply.
• Nationally, about 3 out of 4 Americans receive fluoridated public drinking water, highlighting the gap between New Jersey and the rest of the country.

New Jersey’s water fluoridation coverage is significantly lower than the national average, with only about 16.2% of its population having access to fluoridated water compared to 72.7% nationally. The state’s fluoridation policies are determined at the local level, resulting in a patchwork of coverage across different communities. This low fluoridation rate means that many New Jersey residents are not benefiting from this important public health measure known to prevent tooth decay. Increasing access to fluoridated water in New Jersey could help improve oral health outcomes for its residents and bring the state closer to the national average.