A natural element with a public health purpose
Fluoride is a natural element found in water supplies across the United States and around the world. At the right level, it helps protect teeth by reducing cavities and strengthening enamel. Because of these benefits, adding fluoride to public drinking water has been a common public health practice in the U.S. for more than 60 years. It continues to be supported by leading health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and multiple U.S. Surgeons General.
Required by state law and regulation
In California, state law allows larger water systems to add fluoride when funding is provided from outside sources. Once implemented, fluoridation becomes part of the system’s operating requirements. Public water providers are then required to continue the practice as part of their permit.
How Roseville manages fluoride levels
The City of Roseville adds fluoride to its drinking water in compliance with state regulations, enforced by the California Department of Public Health. The level is carefully maintained at 0.7 parts per million, which is considered optimal for dental health. This is well below the California limit of 2 parts per million and the federal limit of 4 parts per million.
A long-standing local practice
Roseville has been fluoridating its water since the 1950s. When the current water treatment plant was built in the 1960s, the decision was made to continue this practice. Today, fluoridation remains a condition of the City’s water system permit, and stopping would put the City out of compliance.
Informed by science and community input
There is a wide range of information available about fluoride, including both benefits and concerns. Public water fluoridation is guided by established science, public health expertise, and state law. As a public water provider, the City’s role is to follow those requirements and continue providing safe, reliable drinking water.
We are closely monitoring recent federal developments, including the September 2024 court decision directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reevaluate fluoride's impacts and recent discussions with the new administration. Our team actively tracks these developments and has initiated preliminary discussions to understand potential implications for our community.
It's too early to determine fluoride's future in Roseville. If federal regulations change, we'll consult closely with our City Manager's office and City Attorney to evaluate our next steps carefully. We'll also proactively engage with the California Division of Drinking Water regarding regulatory changes and how they might impact Roseville's fluoridation practices.
Any decisions regarding altering our current practices would ultimately require City Council approval, and we remain committed to considering our community's interests and preferences throughout this process.