Sanitary Surveys
Environmental Health Scientists and Division of Drinking Water personnel perform sanitary surveys of water systems in Davis County. These activities are appraisals of the supplies of water in the communities and whether the operations meet the high standards for culinary water required by the state of Utah. The sanitary survey includes the evaluation of physical facilities, record keeping, and operations to identify any potential public health risk.
For more information on sanitary surveys see the Utah Division of Drinking Water.
Fluoridation
Davis County Health Department's Environmental Health Services Division is responsible for the enforcement of the Davis County Drinking Water Fluoride Regulation. It requires the submission of reports by city and district water systems adding fluoride to the water supplies. It also provides for fluoride surveillance in the county including the taking of distribution samples for fluoride analysis and periodic sanitary surveys of equipment and operations.
Drinking Water Fluoridation
Water fluoridation is the deliberate upward adjustment of the natural trace fluoride compounds found in water using medical and scientific guidelines for the purpose of promoting public health through the prevention of tooth decay.
The decision to fluoridate a water supply is made by the county, local municipality, or special service district, and is not mandated by EPA or any other Federal entity. Here in Davis County a vote was cast to have fluoride added by law. Only Woods Cross voted against it.
- The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) is 4.0 ppm.
- Davis County regulation for fluoride levels in drinking water are 0.6 ppm to 0.8 ppm with a target of 0.7 ppm.
Negative Health Effects From Fluoride
Exposure to excessive consumption of fluoride (drinking 2 liters of water per day with 10 mg/L (ppm) fluoride) over a lifetime may lead to increased likelihood of bone fractures in adults, and may result in effects on bone leading to pain and tenderness. Children aged 8 years and younger exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride have an increased chance of developing pits in the tooth enamel, along with a range of cosmetic effects to teeth.
Testing for Fluoride in Your Home
The Davis County Environmental Health Laboratory can test fluoride levels in your drinking water.
Temporary Suspension of Water Fluoridation
If certain laws are not followed (HB72), a health department can order temporary suspension of water fluoridation. Every public water system in Davis County is tested monthly for compliance.
Water Fluoridation Cost
Water fluoridation is estimated to cost from $0.50 to $3.00 per person per year.
- According to the American Dental Association, every $1.00 invested in water fluoridation saves $38.00 in dental treatment costs.