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California law mandates fluoridation. Under Sections 11410 and 11415 of the Health and Safety Code, drinking water systems with at least 10,000 service connections are required, once funded, to fluoridate to meet standards adopted by the California Department of Public Health (formerly known as California Department of Health Services).

California Department of Public Health regulations governing fluoridation programs and establishing optimal fluoride levels can be found in Sections 64433 and 64433.2 of title 22 of the California Administrative Code.

In accordance with these statutes and regulations, Helix Water District, which received a funding commitment, is fluoridating its drinking water supply. Helix’s fluoridation began Dec. 5, 2007, in conjunction with Metropolitan Water District’s fluoridation startup.

The fluoridation program has been approved by the California Department of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why fluoridate Helix’s water?
A. California State law requires water distributors to fluoridate the water supply if funding is available. Helix Water District received a grant to fund fluoridation.

Q. What is fluoride?
A. Fluoride is a naturally occurring ionic form of fluorine, the 13th most abundant element on Earth. It is found in many rocks and minerals in the soil and enters drinking water as water passes through these soils. Fluoride is present naturally in almost all foods and beverages including water, but levels can vary widely.

Q. How much fluoride will Helix add to my water?
A. Helix will supplement naturally occurring fluoride in our drinking water to meet the standards established by the California Department of Public Health. Helix will use fluorosilicic acid, a chemical certified under ANSI/NSF Standard 60.

Q. What should I do when Helix’s fluoridation program starts?
A. Helix water customers currently using fluoride supplements are advised to consult their prescribing physician or dentist about continued use. Fluoride will not change the taste, smell, or appearance of Helix’s water.

Q. Will fluoridation affect my children?
A. Parents and caregivers should consult their pediatrician, family physician, or dentist on the most appropriate water to use in their area to reconstitute infant formula. Since some children may have special medical needs, ask your pediatrician or physician whether fluoridated water should be used in the makeup of baby formula or whether your children should be taking fluoride supplements, drops or tablets.

Q. I have a fish tank. Will fluoridation affect my fish?
A. No. Fluoridated water will have no affect on the fish in your aquarium.

For More Information
If you have any questions regarding fluoridation, please call the Fluoride Information Hotline (619) 667-1751, send email to fluoride@helixwater.org, or visit us online at www.hwd.com.

Other informative fluoridation websites are:

American Dental Association
www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/
Phone: (312) 440-2500

Please read the following fact sheet for infants under 12 months:
www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/infantsformula_faq.asp

Centers for Disease Control
www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/
Phone: (800) 311-3435

California Department of Public Health
www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Pages/fluoridation.aspx