Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Does Colorado Springs have high levels of fluoride in its untreated water?
Water in the Pikes Peak region has such naturally high levels of fluoride, from fluorine-rich granite, that Colorado Springs mixes it with water imported from west of the Continental Divide to decrease fluoride concentrations. Fluoride in the Colorado Springs area ranges from 0.14 mg/L to 1.30 mg/L. Tooth staining can occur if fluoride exceeds 2.0 mg/L. While fluoride levels can fluctuate, Colorado Springs Utilities ensures they remain within drinking water standards.
A natural mineral, fluoride helps strengthen bones and prevent tooth decay. Research into fluoride’s dental benefits began in Colorado Springs in the early 1900s when researchers noticed that while the local residents had stained teeth, they were unusually resistant to cavities.
Today, around 72% of the U.S. population and 75% of Coloradans receive fluoridated water from community water systems. Studies show fluoridated water can prevent tooth decay when used with fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Colorado Springs Utilities Fluoride in Our Water
- U.S. Geological Survey, 2010 Fluorine, Fluorite and Fluorspar in Central Colorado
- Colorado Springs Utilities Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research The Story of Fluoridation
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2022 Water Fluoridation Statistics
- National Institute of Dental Health and Craniofacial Research Fluoride and Dental Health
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Fact briefs are bite-sized, well-sourced explanations that offer clear "yes" or "no" answers to questions, confusions, and unsupported claims circulating online. They rely on publicly available data and documents, often from the original source. Fact briefs are written and published by Gigafact contributor publications.
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