Fluoride back in the water system of Calgary four years after city -wide popular consultation

After almost four years of public support for the return of fluoride to Calgary’s drinking water, the additive is once again being introduced into the city’s water supply as of June 30, 2025. This decision comes after a popular consultation in 2021 led to the city council approving the reintroduction of fluoride.

Juliet Guichon, president of Calgarians for Kids’ Health, has been a strong advocate for the fluoridation of Calgary’s water supply. She points out that fluoride was never completely absent from the city’s water, as it occurs naturally in varying levels depending on the season. The city will now measure these existing levels and adjust them by adding artificial fluoride to reach the recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter set by Health Canada.

The process of reintroducing fluoride has required time, effort, and significant investments. Initial estimates for equipping water treatment plants to accommodate fluoride have tripled, causing delays in the timeline. Despite these challenges, Guichon emphasizes the importance of fluoridation for public health and cost savings in dental care.

Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky, a periodontist and former President of the Alberta Dental Association, highlights the broader implications of not having fluoridated water. He mentions missed school days, parents having to take time off work for dental emergencies, and increased dental costs for individuals.

Although the reintroduction of fluoride comes too late for children who grew up in Calgary without it from 2011, Yaholnitsky explains that there are still benefits to be gained from fluoride exposure, even after the initial development of teeth. Research conducted by Lindsay McLaren, a professor at the University of Calgary, showed a significant increase in tooth decay rates among children in Calgary compared to those in Edmonton, where fluoride is present in the water.

Guichon believes that this study played a crucial role in advocating for the reintroduction of fluoride through a city-wide consultation. She emphasizes the importance of preventive dental care and the role that fluoride plays in maintaining oral health.

Overall, the decision to reintroduce fluoride to Calgary’s drinking water is seen as a positive step for the city’s population and dental community. It is hoped that this move will lead to improved oral health outcomes for residents and reduce the burden of dental problems in the future.