Why Doesn’t Portland Add Fluoride to Its Drinking Water?

Discussions that have been going on for years, After referendums and scientific research Portland is fully behind eliminating fluoride.

Especially Columbia South Shore Well Field (CSSWF) Why was this decision taken for such a strategic water source? Why are city people so distant from fluoride? Here is the behind the scenes of the intriguing subject…

Portland’s anti-fluoride history goes back a long way.

Portland, one of the largest cities in the United States, is also one of the few that does not add fluoride to its drinking water. This too The result of decisions made by the people over the years They do it as.

In four separate referendums held in the city in 1956, 1962, 1978 and most recently in 2013, adding fluoride to water was rejected by the public. 60% voted against the addition As a result, Portland’s fluoride-free water policy was further reinforced and the decision not to add fluoride to important water supplies such as the Columbia South Shore Well Field continued.

The city was ready for this because they started working in 1987. For contamination concerns from industrial pollutants well field protection plan they prepared. It was one of the first of its kind in the United States and was used to prevent groundwater degradation. There were restrictions on land use.

Why? Columbia South Shore Well Field water quality is already high.

There are two major sources that supply Portland with its water needs. One of them is CSSWF, the other is the famous Bull Run Watershed. CSSWF is most important because it works with a system that draws groundwater from deep aquifers and the water becomes ready for direct use.

According to the Portland Water Bureau, water from CSSWF is available for federal and state Easily meets drinking water standardssometimes even exceeding it.

They trust their water. One of the important reasons for this is that the water of the Columbia River filters slowly and deeply underground. Its chemical structure is quite balanced.

Since ground water is not directly exposed to pollutants, it is also very rich in natural minerals. It does not require extra chemical treatment. That’s why the Portland administration thinks it’s unnecessary to add fluoride to the water.

Approximately 360 million liters of water are provided per day.

Groundwater resources are obtained with more than 20 wells in the well area created, and treatment operators for millions of liters of incoming water are used to prevent people from getting sick from microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. It adds controlled chlorine.

To create a longer-lasting disinfectant ammonia, sodium to reduce corrosion of metals. baking soda and carbon dioxide They add.

Reservoirs are not only for drinking water but also response to fires and stores water for emergency needs. The city is protected by thousands of fire hydrants in the city.

More than 3,500 km of water networks pass under the city streets, and every year More than 11 thousand water samples It is collected and tested, so the checks are always ongoing.

The concept of conscious consumption prevails in the city.

The main reason why they completely excluded fluoride is that water is quite pure and high quality At the same time, they also adhere to the democratic process and implement what the people want.

Additionally, the people of Portland attach great importance to natural and organic products, and this includes keeping the water as natural as possible. Externally added, such as fluoride There is a general sensitivity to chemicals.

You may be thinking of dental health, but in Portland fluoride toothpastes It is also thought that there is no need to add fluoride to water since oral care products and other oral care products are widely used.

The fluoride debate is never ending.

Portland’s fluoride policy remains controversial, especially among public health experts. American Dental Association (ADA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support adding fluoride to drinking water because they argue it prevents tooth decay.

But in Portland opposing viewssays that it is more important to preserve the natural structure of water and that fluoride is a supplement that can be taken individually.

Although it is scientifically proven that fluoride has a positive effect on dental health, Portland people He continues to consider this a personal choice. And it looks like this debate will continue for a long time.

So, in your opinion, should fluoride be added to drinking water or should it remain in its natural state?

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