Vermont Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation is a common practice in the United States, with the goal of improving oral health and reducing tooth decay. However, the extent of fluoridation varies significantly from state to state. In Vermont, the percentage of residents with access to fluoridated water is lower than the national average, with local decision-making playing a significant role in the implementation of water fluoridation policies.

Here are some key statistics about water fluoridation in Vermont:

• As of 2020, 56.2% of Vermont residents served by public water systems were receiving fluoridated water, which is below the national average of 72.7%.
• The percentage of Vermont’s population with access to fluoridated water has shown little change over the past decade, indicating a stable trend in fluoridation coverage.
• Vermont does not mandate statewide fluoridation, and the decision to fluoridate is made by local municipalities or water authorities.

Access to Fluoridated Water in Vermont

The percentage of Vermont residents with access to fluoridated water has remained relatively stable in recent years.

• In 2020, 56.2% of Vermont residents served by public water systems were receiving fluoridated water.
• This percentage was 56.2% in 2016, 56.1% in 2014, and 56.1% in 2012.

Despite the stability in recent years, there has been a slight decrease in access to fluoridated water over the past decade, from 58.7% in 2006 to 56.2% in 2020.

Vermont’s Fluoridation Compared to National Averages

Vermont’s fluoridation coverage is lower than the national average, placing it among the states with less access to fluoridated water.

• In 2020, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water, compared to Vermont’s 56.2%.
• Nationally, 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.

Public Health Support and Local Decision-Making

The Vermont Department of Health supports community water fluoridation as a cost-effective strategy to improve oral health.

• The recommended level for fluoride in public water systems is 0.70 parts per million (ppm).
• Vermont does not mandate statewide fluoridation, and the decision to fluoridate is made by local municipalities or water authorities.
• Of the 465 public water systems in Vermont, 29 adjust the fluoride level, serving 136,977 people, while 41 consecutive systems buy their water from these 29 systems, serving an additional 76,060 people.

In total, 56% of Vermont residents served by a public water system are receiving fluoridated water, reflecting the impact of local decision-making processes on the implementation of water fluoridation policies within the state.

Vermont’s approach to water fluoridation relies heavily on local decision-making, resulting in a significant portion of the population without access to fluoridated water compared to the national average. Despite the Vermont Department of Health’s support for fluoridation as a public health measure, the state’s coverage remains lower than the national figures. As discussions about the benefits and concerns surrounding water fluoridation continue, it will be important to monitor any changes in Vermont’s fluoridation policies and their impact on oral health outcomes.