With rising health consciousness, many Australians are closely examining what’s in their drinking water. A big question is whether municipal water supplies contain added fluoride. While practices vary between states and local councils, read on to learn more about fluoride in Australian tap water.
Fluoridation in Australia
Unlike some countries that ban water fluoridation outright, Australia has no federal laws regarding added fluoride. Instead, state and local governments decide. This leads to a complex patchwork of different fluoridation policies across the country.
The majority of Australian states and territories have laws requiring the fluoridation of public water supplies, with the exception of Queensland, which has left the decision up to individual local governments.
As a result, fluoride levels can vary not only between states but even between neighbouring suburbs or towns. Checking with your local water authority is the only sure way to know your fluoridation status.
Check with your water authority to find who your water service provider is:
QLD NSW VIC ACT SA WA NT
Arguments For and Against Fluoride
The fractured policies reflect ongoing controversy around water fluoridation in Australia.
Proponents argue fluoride at low levels helps prevent tooth decay and promote dental health. This position is endorsed by major health organisations.
Critics counter that fluoride amounts in water should be a personal choice, not compulsory. Some also believe fluoride has adverse health effects at any level of exposure.
Recent Trends
While water fluoridation was once widespread in Australia, a number of municipalities have ceased adding it in recent decades. For example, Queensland has seen the number of fluoridated communities drop from 95% in 2008 to just under 75% today.
Councils switching away from fluoridation often cite both ethical arguments around mass medication and cost savings from discontinuing it.
Filtering Options for Fluoride
For Australians seeking low-fluoride drinking water, under-sink water purification systems using reverse osmosis or deionisation with a water distiller provide effective filtration.
Quality gravity water filter systems with fluoride-specific filtration media can also selectively reduce fluoride levels.
Benchtop water purifiers equipped with fluoride filters offer affordable fluoride removal for smaller quantities of water.
High-capacity filters installed where water enters a home can treat all tap water sources for the whole household.
While the future of water fluoridation in Australia remains uncertain, consumers do have options for customising their home water. Research your local area’s fluoridation status and filtration needs. With informed decisions and the right filtration system, Australians can enjoy healthy, optimised water.
You might also be interested in our blog post Australia’s Common Tap Water Contaminants.
