West Virginia Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

West Virginia has one of the highest rates of access to fluoridated water in the United States, with 91% of its population served by community water systems receiving this important public health measure in 2018. This puts the state well above the national average of 72.7% and ranks it 13th in the nation for fluoridation coverage.

The state’s commitment to water fluoridation has remained strong over time, with consistently high levels of access. This has significant public health implications, as fluoridated water helps prevent tooth decay and improve oral health across the population.

• In 2018, 91% of West Virginians served by community water systems were receiving fluoridated water.
• West Virginia ranks 13th among the nation for the population served by fluoridated water at optimum levels.
• The Healthy People 2030 objective aims to increase the proportion of persons served by community systems with optimally fluoridated water systems to 77%. West Virginia’s coverage of 91% significantly exceeds this national goal.

Access to Fluoridated Water in West Virginia

West Virginia has maintained a high level of access to fluoridated water over time.

• In 2018, 91% of West Virginians served by community water systems were receiving fluoridated water.
• The percentage of West Virginia’s population with access to fluoridated water has remained relatively high, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining fluoridation coverage.

Comparison to National Averages

West Virginia stands out as a leader in water fluoridation when compared to national figures.

• Nationally, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water in 2020. West Virginia’s figure of 91% in 2018 is significantly above this average.
• In 2018, approximately 270 million persons in the U.S. (73% of the population served by public water systems) received optimally fluoridated water. Again, West Virginia exceeds this with its 91% coverage.

Public Health Impact and State Ranking

The Healthy People 2030 objective (OH-11) aims to increase the proportion of persons served by community systems with optimally fluoridated water systems to 77%.

• West Virginia’s coverage of 91% significantly exceeds this national goal and average.
• As of 2018, West Virginia ranks 13th among the nation for the population served by fluoridated water at optimum levels.
• This high ranking underscores the state’s effective implementation of water fluoridation programs.

West Virginia’s commitment to water fluoridation has resulted in one of the highest rates of access to this important public health measure in the United States. With 91% of its population served by optimally fluoridated community water systems, the state is well above national averages and goals. This strong emphasis on fluoridation helps improve oral health and prevent tooth decay for a significant majority of West Virginians.