Council puts fluoridation debate back on agenda

The battle lines will shortly be drawn over the issue of fluoridating Rodney’s rural and township (R and T) reticulated water supplies.

Rodney District Council voted last month to change its stance on fluoridation of the five R and T water supply systems – Warkworth, Snells/Algies, Wellsford, Helensville and Muriwai – from negative to neutral. An investigation programme into the issue will include a household survey of affected areas, and communities will receive separate consideration on the issue.

Senior water supply engineer Bruce Fulford told Council the Ministry of Health was offering a 50 percent subsidy on capital works associated with establishing fluoridation in water supply systems. In Rodney, the cost of fluoridating all five systems would be $500,000, with $300,000 of that capital works. This meant the total cost in Rodney would be $350,000, plus $20,000 operating costs per year.
Cr June Turner said she was adamantly opposed to fluoridating as it removed individual choice. She suggested those who wanted fluoridation could buy fluoride tablets, which Mayor Penny Webster said were too expensive for some families.
Cr Dave Parker said a number of people wanted fluoride added to the water supply and therefore Council should investigate the possibility.

Cr Ross Craig opposed adding the cost of fluoridating the water supplies to the LTCCP on the grounds that Council had already committed to not increase levels of services in the district for financial reasons, and the Council recommendation was amended accordingly.

Cr Michael Goudie wanted to see a poll on Council’s website on the issue.
Council’s next move will be to invite experts on fluoridation to talk to Council as part of the five-stage consultation programme. A final decision should be reached in April next year.

Approximately $500 million is spent in New Zealand on dental treatment each year. Most of this is spent on treating dental decay, or caries.