Community Water Fluoridation in Texas

Tom Napier, P.E., DirectorTexas Fluoridation Project

Texas Department of State Health ServicesAustin, Texas

Texas Oral Health Summit: Advocacy, Equity & Access

Austin, TexasSeptember 9-10, 2004

Tom Napier, P.E., Director

FIFTY YEARS OF FLUORIDATIONMARSHALL – 1946SWEETWATER – 1951 TYLER – 1952CORPUS CHRISTI – 1953PORT ARTHUR – 1953PARIS – 1953

San Antonio

National Health Goals 2010

75% of Population served by PWS

How You Define Optimum0.6 mg/l lower limitNo upper limit

7

Slide of Mountain

Areas of High Natural Fluoride

National Health Goals 2010

75% of Population served by PWSWFRS Currently 76%

Texas Fluoridation ProjectProgram Overview

Promote and educate the public and communities about the benefits of water fluoridation

Provide reimbursement grants for public water systems

Provide on-site inspections of public water systems that adjust the fluoride

Surveillance Operator Training System Design

5400-Gallon Bulk Tank Fiberglass Enclosure

Properly Maintained System

Improper Venting

Operator Training ClassesJasperTylerNew BraunfelsSan AntonioCorpus ChristiHouston

Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS)

Stores System InformationGenerates Reports & MapsDaily Sample ResultsAccessible on INTERNET

CHALLENGES INTERNET INFOActive Opponents Renewing System’s Administrative

Commitment