Water Fluoridation. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help provide protection against tooth decay. Current statute authorizes a water district by a majority vote of its board of commissioners to add fluoride to the water supply system of the water district. The commissioners may propose the fluoridation of the water supply to be submitted to the electors of the water district at any general election or special election called to vote on the proposition. The proposition must be approved by a majority of the electors voting on the proposition to become effective. Public water systems are not required to adopt fluoridation.

Public Water Systems. A public water system is defined as any system that provides water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, excluding a system serving only one single-family residence and a system with four or fewer connections all of which serve residences on the same farm. The water system includes any collection, treatment, storage, or distribution facilities under control of the purveyor and used primarily in connection with the system; and collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under control of the purveyor but primarily used in connection with the system.

A public water system must notify customers and the Department of Health of intentions to start or stop water fluoridation at least 90 days before a vote or decision is made. A public water system that violates these notification requirements must return fluoridation to its previous level until the notification requirements have been satisfied.