Fluoride Decision
Town Council has made the decision to remove fluoride from the Okotoks water supply. The next steps in this process are to apply to Alberta Environment to discontinue the insertion of fluoride into Okotoks’ public drinking water, and to consult with Alberta Health Services to ensure a program is in place to provide topical fluoride treatments and/or fluoridated toothpaste to assist individuals at risk of dental caries.
Please read the excerpt from the Unadopted Minutes of April 23 with respect to fluoridation which were passed by Council:
MOTION:
That Council repeal the existing fluoridation bylaw and direct Administration to apply to Alberta Environment to discontinue the insertion of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid into Okotoks’ public drinking water.
MOTION:
That Council direct Administration to consult with Alberta Health Services to ensure a program is in place to provide topical fluoride treatments and/or fluoridated toothpaste to assist individuals at risk of dental caries.
Fluoridation Public Consultation Process 2012
Currently the Town of Okotoks’ water supply is fluoridated by Epcor Water Services as directed by Town Council. Fluoride naturally occurs in the Sheep River in concentrations varying throughout the year, between 0.22 and 0.23 mg/L. The Town adds fluoride to the municipal water supply in a concentration of 0 .75 mg/L on average per month following Alberta Environment water system approvals that are based on Health Canada’s recommendations. Health Canada’s maximum acceptable concentration of fluoride in water is 1.5mg/L. Epcor Water Services monitors the quality of water in its watersheds. Results are made public in the annual Water Quality Report.
Fluoride Survey
An online survey was offered to residents to express their concerns with continuing or discontinuing fluoridation of our water supply. The online survey started at 8 am on Tuesday, March 27 and closed on Thursday, April 12 at 5 pm.
Non-Statutory Public Hearing
A Non-Statutory Public Hearing was held on March 26, 2012 at 7pm at Council Chambers.
Presenters:
Dr. James Beck, MD, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Medical Biophysics, University of Calgary; Author of The Case Against Fluoride
Against Fluoridation of Drinking Water
Dr. Richard Musto, MD, FRCP
Medical Officer of Health, Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services; Clinical Associate Professor, University of Calgary
For Fluoridation of Drinking Water
Resources – For and Against
For
Health Canada Fluoride webpage
Alberta Health Services Article (Communities Urged to Keep Fluoride in Water) and Links to other resources
Alberta Health Services Fluoridation Q&A
Letter to Mayor Robertson from Alberta Health Services (444 KB)
*a binder of reference materials provided by Dr. Musto can be found at the Library and the Health & Wellness Centre for your reference.
Globe & Mail Article For Fluoride (26 KB)
Against
Canadians Opposed to Fluoridation website
CTV News Report – Calgary Council votes to stop fluoridating City water
Dr. James Beck’s book, The Case Against Fluoride, is available at the Okotoks Public Library.
Visit the book`s website