LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Oral Health Program announces that five Michigan water systems – Baraga, Owosso, Ravenna, South Lyon and Wakefield – have been awarded the 2022 Community Water Fluoridation 50 Year Award from the American Dental Association (ADA), Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recipients are recognized for continuously adjusting and maintaining the amount of fluoride in drinking water for the prevention of tooth decay in adults and children. This award is given to those communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water for 50 consecutive years, starting in 1972.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. It has been recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. The CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective and inexpensive method of preventing decay.

“We are proud of the Michigan communities that exceed the CDC recommendations by having 90% of our population on community water systems accessing fluoridated water,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “These awards demonstrate the commitment to quality and water fluoridation has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one’s lifetime and keeps Michigan residents healthy.”

In 2022, a total of 106 public water systems in 26 states received these awards, including five communities in Michigan. Nationally, nearly 75% – or over 211 million people – are served by community water systems have access to optimally fluoridated tap water.

For more information about community water fluorination, visit the CDC website.

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