The City of Calgary has announced that it will begin reintroducing fluoride to its drinking water, starting Monday, June 30, 2025. The change will directly affect Airdrie, which receives its treated water from Calgary.
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According to the City's news release on May 29, the measure is intended "as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent dental cavities and improve oral health."
The City of Airdrie's official website states, "The City of Airdrie purchases water from the City of Calgary. The water is treated by the City of Calgary and then travels in supply mains to Airdrie reservoirs. From there, it is pumped through distribution mains to water service pipes and then flows out of the taps in our homes, businesses and out of fire hydrants."
The same page states: "Water distribution mains in Airdrie total approximately 264 kilometres in length. The city's water is supplied via three transmission lines and is stored in three reservoirs."
Calgary's website explains that water supplied to regional customers is the same as that provided within city limits and will also contain added fluoride.
"The City of Calgary provides drinking water to The City of Chestermere, The City of Airdrie, The Town of Strathmore and portions of Foothills County, Rocky View County and Tsuut'ina Nation," the site reads. "Each municipality enters into a Master Servicing Agreement that governs the provision of the water to the municipal boundary. The Master Servicing Agreement places responsibility for water quality with The City of Calgary and its Council."
Fluoride was first added to Calgary's drinking water in 1991. Council voted to discontinue the program in 2011, when the infrastructure was removed. Calgary council voted to reintroduce fluoride following a 2021 Civic General Election plebiscite, in which 62 per cent of voters supported restarting the program.
"Fluoride is present in minerals, and found naturally in soil, air and water. For healthy teeth, natural occurring fluoride levels in the Bow and Elbow Rivers will be supplemented to help protect against tooth decay. The treatment plants will increase fluoride to the optimal level of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) as recommended by Health Canada’s Guidance for Community Water Fluoridation," The City of Calgary noted.
The program is endorsed by Health Canada, Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Dental Association, and the World Health Organization.
"Research consistently shows that community water fluoridation is safe, effective, economical and poses no risk to human health at the recommended levels," the City states. "Fluoridation benefits the community, especially those most vulnerable and without access to dental care."
According to Alberta Health Services, the recommended level of 0.7 mg/L is safe for children, adults and pets. The Canadian Dental Association affirms that this concentration poses no risk to cognitive development, including IQ. Health officials recommend combining fluoridated water with daily use of fluoride toothpaste for maximum protection against cavities.
Calgary's website notes that residents who wish to remove fluoride may use home filtration systems certified to NSF/ANSI 58.
A University of Calgary study conducted after fluoridation was discontinued in 2011 found an increase in cavity rates among Calgary children compared to Edmonton children, where water fluoridation remained in place.
To resume treatment, Calgary completed capital upgrades at both the Glenmore and Bearspaw Water Treatment Plants, including a retrofit and a new facility to house fluoride equipment.
The project cost $28.1 million, with ongoing operating and maintenance costs estimated at $1 million per year.
According to the City, "This translates into less than 10 cents per person, per month."
The costs are covered under council-approved water rates.
"There is no support from property taxes," the City states.
In a March 20 update, Calgary reported that equipment installation was complete, but additional time was needed for commissioning.
"We determined it will require additional time to allow us to ensure all equipment and systems are checked, inspected and tested to ensure they are all performing as designed," the City said.
At that time, officials projected a rollout "later in the second quarter of 2025," with a commitment to provide four weeks' notice once a firm date was set.
An online petition hosted by Safe Water Calgary calls for "a moratorium on the addition of fluoride to Calgary's public drinking water." The petition invites submissions from residents, visitors and users of Calgary's regional water network — including Airdrie — and outlines various objections based on health concerns, informed consent and cross-jurisdictional decision-making.
The website lists 8,600 signatures as of publication, but does not specify the date when this total was recorded.
Once fluoride is reintroduced, Calgary will join Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer and other Alberta municipalities that add fluoride to drinking water.
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