Water New Zealand Calls for Government to Legislate Fluoridation in Drinking Water

Water New Zealand is encouraged by a recent report written by two New Zealand dental scientists which reveals that the majority of the public see the benefits of fluoride in drinking water.

“This report re-iterates what most sensible people know: that the science about the benefits of fluoride is robust and that most of us are in favour of having fluoride in our taps,” says John Pfahlert, CEO of Water New Zealand.

“What I don’t understand is that in the face of overwhelming evidence, from various reports and research, why the Government refuses to make fluoridation of public water compulsory,” said Mr Pfahlert.

“The Government has itself endorsed the use of fluoride. In 2014 the office of the Prime Ministers Chief Science Advisor issued a report which conclusively demonstrated the health benefits from fluoridation and that at the correct dosage, the risks were virtually non-existent.”

Water New Zealand, along with many other organistions such as Local Government New Zealand and the NZ Dental Association, believes that central Government should implement legislation insisting on nationwide fluoridation.

“The science is settled and it is time for central Government to step up and take a stand on the issue,” says Mr Pfahlert.

“It is a matter of public health and is therefore not something which should be decided on case by case by councils – it’s not a decision about whether to plant geraniums or gerberas in the main street of a local town, it’s about the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.”

Contact
John Pfahlert, CEO, Water New Zealand
P: 021 150 9763
E: ceo@waternz.org.nz

Water New Zealand is an independent not for profit association of approximately 1500 water professionals and organisations, focusing on the sustainable management and development of the water environment. It provides leadership in the water sector, through advocacy, provision of technical advice and professional development. It is the principal voice for the water sector. Its nationwide network of members represent many disciplines; physical and social sciences, public health, engineering, law and management. Water New Zealand attracts decision makers and technologists from central and local government, industry, the academic and research communities, consultants and service/equipment supply organisations, who exchange information about water and wastes issues.