WATER FLUORIDATION

In reply to the Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (11 November 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises): The Minister for Water has been advised that:

1. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) endorsed the use of sodium fluoride for use as a drinking water treatment chemical in 1983 at the present levels designated.

The use of sodium fluoride for fluoridation is contained in the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines, 2004 (NHMRC).

Fluoridation is administered by SA Water on behalf of the South Australian Department of Health. Fluoridation forms part of the State Government's Oral Health Policy.