Effective June 30, 2025, fluoride will be reintroduced into the regional drinking water system that supplies Chestermere. This change is being implemented by the City of Calgary, which manages Chestermere’s water treatment under existing regional servicing agreements.
Key Information:
- Who made this decision? The reintroduction of fluoride follows a 2021 plebiscite in Calgary, where 62% of voters supported fluoridation.
- Why is fluoride being added? Fluoride will be added to maintain a Health Canada-recommended level of 0.7 mg/L. This level is recognized to help prevent tooth decay. Calgary’s water naturally contains between 0.1 and 0.4 mg/L of fluoride.
- Is our water safe? Yes. Chestermere’s water supply continues to meet or exceed all drinking water standards. The reintroduction of fluoride is supported by Health Canada, Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, and over 90 health organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO).
- What are the benefits? Fluoridation is considered safe, cost-effective, and particularly beneficial for dental health, especially for individuals without regular access to dental care.
- Will it change the water? Health authorities have confirmed that this level of fluoridation does not alter the taste, smell, or appearance of drinking water.
Where to Find More Information:
For comprehensive details about this initiative, we encourage you to visit the City of Calgary’s dedicated page:
You can also find more information from leading health organizations:
FAQs
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is present in minerals, and therefore naturally found in air, water, soil and almost all foods.
Does fluoride occur naturally in our drinking water?
Fluoride naturally occurs in the Bow and Elbow Rivers, in levels varying throughout the year, ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 milligrams per litre (mg/L).
What is community water fluoridation?
Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting fluoride in the public drinking water to help prevent tooth decay and is a decision made by City Council. The water treatment plants follow Health Canada’s Guidance for Community Water Fluoridation, which sets a safe level of fluoride in water to protect you from tooth decay. Community water fluoridation is a simple and low-cost way to prevent tooth decay that benefits everyone in the community, especially those most vulnerable individuals who may not have regular access to other preventative measures, such as professional dental care.
What are Health Canada’s guidelines regarding fluoride?
Health Canada’s Guidance on Community Water Fluoridation recommends optimal fluoride levels to be 0.7 mg/L. Due to the natural fluctuating fluoride concentrations in Calgary’s source water, the treatment plants will adjust fluoride levels to maintain 0.7 mg/L in the drinking water.
Can you taste fluoride in drinking water?
Fluoridation won’t change the taste, smell or appearance of your drinking water.
Can I remove fluoride from my drinking water at home?
Fluoride can be removed from your drinking water at home using a specialized filtration system. Look for equipment certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (American National Standards Institute). More information can be found in the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines and the Government of Alberta website.