Wisconsin Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation is a crucial public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. In Wisconsin, a significant portion of the population has access to fluoridated water, thanks to the state’s commitment to this practice. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of water fluoridation in Wisconsin and how it compares to national trends.

Here are a few key statistics that highlight the importance of water fluoridation in Wisconsin:

• In 2018, 87.3% of Wisconsin’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water, which is higher than the national average of 72.7% in 2020.
• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services supports community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay, and the state has surpassed the Healthy People 2010 objective of 69%.
• For water systems that adjust fluoride levels, the Wisconsin Oral Health Program reviews monthly operating reports to ensure that they meet strict standards for accuracy in water fluoride treatment, daily monitoring, and reporting.

Access to Fluoridated Water in Wisconsin

A large majority of Wisconsin residents have access to fluoridated water.

• In 2018, 87.3% of Wisconsin’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water.
• This figure is higher than the national average of 72.7% in 2020.

Changes in Access Over Time

While Wisconsin still has a high percentage of its population with access to fluoridated water, there has been a slight decrease in recent years.

• The percentage of Wisconsin’s population with access to fluoridated water decreased from 89.7% in 2006 to 87.3% in 2018.

Public Health Support and Legislation

The state of Wisconsin recognizes the importance of water fluoridation in promoting oral health.

• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services supports community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.
• The state has surpassed the Healthy People 2010 objective of 69% of the population having access to fluoridated water.
• Wisconsin does not mandate fluoridation, and local governments control fluoridation policy in the state. City councils can begin or discontinue fluoridation at their discretion or by a referendum vote.

Monitoring and Reporting

Wisconsin has strict standards in place to ensure the accuracy of water fluoride treatment and reporting.

• For water systems that adjust fluoride levels, the Wisconsin Oral Health Program reviews monthly operating reports submitted to the Department of Natural Resources.
• These reports are evaluated to identify water systems that meet strict standards for accuracy in water fluoride treatment, daily monitoring, and reporting.

Wisconsin’s commitment to water fluoridation is evident in the high percentage of its population with access to fluoridated water, which is well above the national average. The state’s support for this practice, along with its strict monitoring and reporting standards, helps ensure that residents can enjoy the benefits of fluoridated water for improved oral health. As the state continues to prioritize water fluoridation, it is essential to maintain and expand access to this important public health measure.