Wyoming Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation in Wyoming has evolved over the past two decades through local initiatives, changing federal guidelines, and fluctuating infrastructure conditions. Understanding the numeric scope of these changes provides valuable insights into how fluoridation efforts compare regionally and impact specific populations.

From historically inconsistent fluoride levels in small systems to larger municipal networks maintaining recommended ranges, Wyoming’s trajectory showcases both progress and persisting gaps. Below, we examine key statistics on fluoride coverage, groundwater variability, and dental health outcomes to present an updated snapshot of Wyoming’s fluoridation landscape.

Noteworthy Initial Statistics

• Between 2000 and 2020, the percentage of Wyoming’s population receiving fluoridated water rose from 45% to 62.9%.
• The national average for fluoridated water coverage in 2020 stood at 72.7%.
• By 2018, 55.6% of Wyoming’s population using community systems had fluoridated water, marking a clear increase from earlier years.
• In rural Wyoming wells, 28% tested above 2.0 ppm fluoride in 2003, exceeding recommended levels.

These figures offer a brief snapshot of how fluoride levels and population coverage have shifted in Wyoming. Below, we break down additional data illustrating changes across different years, comparisons with nearby states, associated health indicators, and infrastructure factors.

Wyoming’s Fluoridation Rates Over Time

Tracking fluoridation coverage in Wyoming reveals notable fluctuations influenced by equipment challenges and evolving guidelines.

• In 2003, an EPA survey of six fluoridating communities in the state found only 2 maintained the recommended 1.0–1.2 ppm range consistently.
• By 2006, only 31% of Wyoming residents on community systems had reliable access to fluoridated water.
• After updated federal guidelines in 2015 set 0.7 ppm as the recommended level, statewide coverage reached 55.6% in 2018.
• As of 2020, Wyoming’s fluoridation coverage among public water system users stood at 62.9%.
• The national average coverage in 2020 was 72.7%, indicating Wyoming’s rate remained below the U.S. norm.

These incremental increases highlight how Wyoming has gradually expanded fluoride access. The table below details some coverage changes at pivotal points between 2000 and 2020.

After these trends, Wyoming continues to monitor local groundwater variability, which can naturally register above or below recommended fluoride parameters.

Regional Comparisons

Juxtaposing Wyoming’s rates with nearby states underscores the variability in fluoridation practices across the region.

• Montana had 30.7% population coverage in 2020, placing it significantly below Wyoming.
• Idaho showed 32.0% coverage, yet certain wells tested as high as 15.9 ppm, emphasizing natural fluoride fluctuations.
• Utah reported 52.0% fluoridation coverage, mostly tied to ballot-driven local directives.
• Colorado and South Dakota each reported 75.0% coverage, surpassing Wyoming’s rate.
• Wyoming ranked #35 among states in 2020 for fluoridation coverage.

The table below highlights comparisons in 2020, showing each state’s ranking and general approach to managing fluoride levels.

Such differences underscore how Wyoming’s approach aligns more with local choice, whereas states like South Dakota employ mandates, and others rely on voter input or naturally high fluoride sources.

Health Outcomes in Wyoming

Shifts in fluoridation rates correlate with measurable oral health outcomes in both children and adults across Wyoming.

• A 2010 statewide survey found 22% of adolescents exhibited mild dental fluorosis.
• In fluoridated communities, pediatric dental treatment costs were 35% lower compared to non-fluoridated areas.
• Groundwater tests in schools revealed some samples up to 2.9 ppm, affecting fluorosis rates when combined with municipal supplies.
• The CDC estimates a typical 25% reduction in tooth decay among adults receiving optimal fluoride levels, with children seeing up to 40% fewer cavities.

Below is a brief table summarizing a selection of fluoride-related health statistics reported over the last decade in Wyoming.

These figures illustrate the interplay between monitored fluoride levels and statewide oral health indicators.

Infrastructure and Monitoring

Infrastructure challenges remain central to Wyoming’s fluoridation statistics, influencing each community’s ability to sustain the recommended 0.7 ppm level.

• A 2003 review revealed 65% of private wells in rural Wyoming exceeded recommended chemical standards for fluoride and other elements.
• As of 2010, 75.96% of schools statewide measured below the then-optimal 0.7–1.1 ppm range.
• Population reliance on fluoridated community systems in 2010 was approximately 43,300 residents.
• Equipment deficiencies have historically caused “underfeeding,” hampering consistent fluoride dosing in small municipalities.

These variables contribute to the state’s uneven progress and underscore the need for reliable fluoridation equipment and standardized testing procedures.

Overall, Wyoming’s community water structures and natural groundwater variability help explain differences in fluoridation coverage between localities.

Key Statistics Summary

• 62.9% of Wyoming residents on public systems received fluoridated water in 2020.
• The state’s rank stood at #35 nationally for fluoridation coverage in 2020.
• 22% of adolescents showed mild fluorosis in 2010 surveys.
• 28% of rural wells tested over 2.0 ppm fluoride in 2003.
• Casper, Wyoming, first adopted citywide fluoridation in 1953.

These figures underline Wyoming’s complex fluoridation landscape, shaped by local choice, infrastructure capabilities, and varying natural fluoride levels. Steady improvements are evident over the years, though significant gaps still exist when compared to some neighboring states and national averages.