DENVER | Denver Water will continue adding fluoride to the drinking water of some 1.3 million Coloradans.
That’s the decision Wednesday from the water board. Fluoride was under debate after the federal government announced new standards in April.
Attorneys for the water board had recommended the utility continue the practice
The vote comes as fluoridation opponents claim it damages teeth and bones. State health officials maintain fluoride improves oral health.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lowered its recommended dosage of fluoride in drinking water to 0.7 milligrams per liter everywhere because fluoride is available in toothpaste in other products. Since 1962, the federal government suggested up to 1.2 milligrams per liter.
Denver Water has used the lower dose since 2011.