The City of Airdrie confirmed June 30 that fluoride has returned to the local drinking water supply following the same-day reintroduction of fluoridation by the City of Calgary.
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“The City of Airdrie purchases its drinking water from The City of Calgary,” Airdrie’s statement read. “After treatment by Calgary, the water travels through supply mains to our reservoirs, then through distribution mains to reach our taps and fire hydrants.”
The City of Airdrie's website also adds that, "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."
According to The City of Calgary, fluoride was reintroduced “as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent dental cavities and improve oral health.” The City stated: “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.”
Fluoride was first introduced into Calgary’s drinking water in 1991. “Our drinking water remained fluoridated for 20 years until City Council directed Administration to discontinue the practice in 2011,” the City stated. “The Council decision to reintroduce fluoride in the drinking water system was made one month after a plebiscite in the 2021 Civic General Election found 62 per cent support for fluoridation amongst voters.”
Fluoridation resumed June 30, 2025. “The City of Calgary is adding fluoride to its drinking water to achieve 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) as recommended by Health Canada,” the City stated. “This level considers the fluoride that people are getting from other sources like fluoridated toothpaste or mouth rinse.”
According to the City, fluoride levels in the Bow and Elbow Rivers naturally fluctuate between 0.1 and 0.4 mg/L. “The new fluoridation systems at the treatment plants will adjust fluoride levels to maintain 0.7 mg/L in the drinking water.”
Fluoridation “won’t change the taste, smell or appearance of your drinking water,” the City said.
The City of Calgary provides water to several regional municipalities. “Water supplied to regional customers is the same water as provided within Calgary and will have fluoride added,” the City stated. “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. 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.”
The infrastructure upgrades required to reintroduce fluoridation included “a retrofit of an existing building at the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant and installing the new fluoride equipment” and “a new building at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant to house the fluoride equipment.” The total capital cost was $28.1 million, with ongoing annual operating and maintenance costs of $1 million.
“This translates into less than 10 cents per person, per month,” the City stated. “This is funded through Council-approved water rates. There is no support from property taxes.”
The City said more than 90 national and international organizations, including the World Health Organization, support fluoridation as a proven method to prevent tooth decay. “Health Canada, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services support the practice of Community Water Fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent and reduce tooth decay.”
Fluoride is “present in minerals, and therefore naturally found in water, air, soil and almost all foods,” the City stated. It also reaffirmed that “fluoride can be removed from your drinking water at home using a specialized filtration system. Look for equipment certified to NSF/ANSI 58.”
However, the reintroduction of fluoride back into Calgary's water, has sparked intense debate online and across social media platforms among both Calgary and airdrie residents.
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. As of publication, the online petition has 9,700 signatures.
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