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The City of Calgary will be reintroducing fluoride to its water supply, which delivers water to Chestermere, Strathmore, and other municipalities.
Starting June 30, fluoride will be brought back into the water following a plebiscite in the 2021 Civic General Election, where 62 per cent of voters supported the reintroduction.
"Fluoride was first introduced into Calgary’s drinking water in 1991," wrote the city on its website. "Our drinking water remained fluoridated for 20 years until city council directed administration to discontinue the practice in 2011."
Fluoride in water is supported by Health Canada, Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, and over 90 national and international governments and health organizations.
According to the city, fluoridation does not affect the taste, smell, or appearance of drinking water.
"Research consistently shows it’s safe at low levels and is a cost-effective way to improve dental health that benefits everyone in the community, especially those most vulnerable and without access to dental care," added the city.
The cost to reintroduce fluoride is around $28.1 million. Maintaining fluoridation will also cost the city around $1 million every year.
The city added that the funding for fluoridation is not supported through property taxes.