Water Compliance Office

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On May 20, 2015, the supplemental fluoride level added above natural reservoir levels was decreased from 1.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 0.7 mg/L.

This action was approved by a unanimous vote of Gloucester Board of Health (BOH) on May 7, 2015. It is in direct response to updated drinking water fluoride level recommendations per the April 28, 2015 letter to the BOH from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (View the letter (PDF)) and the following U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) April 27, 2015 press release and recommendations.

Per the BOH, the DPW has administered the drinking water supplemental addition of fluoride at 0.7 mg/L from May 20, 2015 forward. Thank you for your cooperation.

April 27, 2015 HHS Press Release

HHS issues final recommendation for community water fluoridation.

Adjusted level seeks to maintain dental health benefits of fluoride.

"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the final Public Health Service (PHS) recommendation for the optimal fluoride level in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. The new recommendation is for a single level of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water. It updates and replaces the previous recommended range (0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter) issued in 1962."

HHS PHS recommendations for fluoride concentration in drinking water are found at: Fluoride Guidelines (PDF)

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