City’s Water Department Given Quality Award
The City of Franklin Water Management Department is one of 17 water systems in the Mid-Cumberland region that has been awarded a 2006 Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities that have maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water for the calendar year.
Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of preventing tooth decay. Studies have shown that tooth decay is prevented among all age groups, not just children.
“The City of Franklin is pleased to be part of this effort to improve the health and welfare of both children and adults,” stated Mark Hilty, Director of the City’s Water Management Department. He continued, “The City of Franklin Water Management Department takes pride in its water quality and is working diligently to refine service and operations to better serve our customers. This award by the CDC for our achievements in providing safe, high-quality water to our customers recognizes these conscientious efforts.”
In 2001, the U.S. Task Force on Community Preventive Services recommended that communities either adopt or maintain fluoridation of public drinking water supplies. More than 170 million people, or 67 percent of the United States population served by public water supplies, currently drink water with optimal fluoride levels for preventing decay.
“Fluoridating a community’s water is one of the most effective public health prevention measures we can take to prevent tooth decay,” stated Dr. William R. Maas, DDS, MPH, director of the CDC Division or Oral Health. “It also is the most equitable reaching all members of a community, regardless of their income.” He also noted that it is cost-effective, saving approximately $38 in dental treatment costs for every dollar invested.
The City of Franklin Water System serves approximately 16,000 customers within a portion of Franklin and Williamson County.
