Back to Top State capital begins fluoridation Sacramento County soon to follow A fter a five-year wait, state legislators and their families, Sacramento residents and some county residents finally received fluoridated drinking water the first week of April. Starting the first week of April, Sacramento's Department of Utilities began fluoridating the drinking water of the city and neighboring water districts. Working with the California Department of Health Services, the city produced and distributed fluoridation information to pediatricians, dentists, pharmacists and residents. Fluoridation brought an immediate and significant cost savings to fluoride supplement users who no longer have to buy the expensive pills or drops. Seniors, adults and children will receive their cost savings as their teeth become more resistant to cavities through the remineralization properties of fluoridation.
Adults also benefit, experiencing a reduction in root decay and other dental disease.
At their first meeting in April, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors discussed fluoridation. The Board of Supervisors received supportive testimony from city fluoridation supporters, county community organizations, dentists, countywide health workers, county water districts and residents. The unanimous vote of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors demonstrated the depth and breadth of support for fluoridation. In 1995, the California Fluoridation Act was passed, thereby encouraging water districts to fluoridate drinking water. Since its passage, Los Angeles and Sacramento completed capital improvements and are now fluoridating drinking water.