PURCELLVILLE, Va. October 21, 2016 — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) commends the Town of Purcellville on achieving the Water Fluoridation Quality Award for 2015. The CDC presents this award to those water systems that adjust the fluoride concentration in drinking water and achieve a monthly average fluoride level that is within the optimal range for 12 consecutive months. This effort requires a high level of operator care and accomplishment and is representative of the Town’s commitment to quality, safe drinking water.
Consistent, high quality water fluoridation is a safe and effective method to prevent tooth decay, improving oral health for community residents of all ages. As of recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reduced the target level of fluoride to 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. The award received from the CDC, which is jointly presented by HHS, represents the Town achieving an average monthly fluoride level in the optimal range of 0.4-0.7 mg/L.
Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. Currently, nearly three-quarters (74.6 percent) – or 320 million people - served by community water systems have access to optimally fluoridated tap water. CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of preventing decay. It's estimated that every $1 invested in fluoridation saves at least $32 in dental treatment costs.
The award recognizes communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2015. For 2014, only 4% out of the 54,000 Public Water Systems received these awards. The Town of Purcellville remains committed to operating its Public Water System in a manner that meets federal and state quality goals and is aesthetically pleasing to all customers.
