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Fluoride: Drinking Water

Answer

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water and some foods. The amount of naturally occurring fluoride in water varies across the United Kingdom due to geological differences. Drinking water regulations contain a standard for fluoride which is a maximum of 1.5 milligrams per litre. This is the same level as the World Health Organisation health-based guideline value for fluoride in drinking water. If the standard of 1.5 milligram per litre is breached, the Drinking Water Inspectorate has the power to take enforcement action to require the water company to rectify the breach.

In some areas of England, the level of fluoride is adjusted through a water fluoridation scheme to improve dental health. In these areas, the target level for fluoride is one milligram per litre, well within the regulatory limit. There is a legal duty to monitor the effects of water fluoridation schemes on health and report on it every four years. Previous reports are available at the following link, with the next due to be published in 2026:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-fluoridation-health-monitoring-report-for-england-2018

The Drinking Water Inspectorate has published an advice leaflet on fluoridation of drinking water which can be found here:

https://www.dwi.gov.uk/consumers/learn-more-about-your-water/fluoridation-of-drinking-water/

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

37692

Session

2024-26

Transferred

Yes

Subjects

Drinking water Fluoride

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk