Water New Zealand welcomes “common sense” legal ruling over fluoridation

Water New Zealand chief executive John Pfahlert says the Court of Appeal ruling supporting the South Taranaki District Council’s decision to fluoridate its water supply means that common sense has prevailed and he says this is good news for dental health in the community.

“It now means that after nearly four years of costly legal delays, the Council is able to extend fluoridation to residents who have not had the benefits of added fluoride in their public water supply.”

However, he says it is disappointing and concerning that lobby groups representing an extreme position, not backed by scientific evidence, have been able to hold a small council to ransom.

“The benefits of fluoride protection for dental health are irrefutable and pose no health risks at the recommended level of 0.7 to 1.0 parts per million in drinking water.”

“It would appear that the opponents of fluoride deliberately targeted a small council.”

He says that’s one reason Water New Zealand strongly supports the proposal to shift responsibility for fluoridating water supplies from councils to district health boards.

“Fluoridation is a public health issue and it should not be left to councils to be responsible for making decisions over the dental health of communities.

“I look forward to seeing the legislation supporting this move going through Parliament.”

ends

© Scoop Media