The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced yesterday the following community water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
| Albany | Bethany | Cameron | |
| Higginsville | Harrisonville | Kansas City | |
| Kearney | MO American Water St. Joseph | Liberty | |
| Brookfield | Canton | Carrollton | |
| Chillicothe | Glasgow | Hannibal | |
| Kahoka | Keytesville | Kirksville | |
| LaGrange | Marceline | Moberly | |
| Shelbina | Slater | Trenton | |
| Boonville | Columbia | Jefferson City | |
| Rolla | Camden County Public Water Supply District 4 – Horseshoe Bend | Fort Leonard Wood | |
| Cape Girardeau | Cole County Public Water Supply District 1 | Charleston | |
| Dexter | Cole County Public Water Supply District 4 | Park Hills | |
| Fredericktown | Butler County Public Water Supply District 3 | Matthews | |
| Perryville | Royal Lake Estates | Scott City | |
| Joplin | Lamar | Lebanon | |
| Nixa | Eureka | St. Louis City | |
| Jefferson County Public Water Supply District 5 | Lake Winnebago | Jefferson County Public Water Supply District 8 | |
| Missouri American WaterSt. Louis – St. Charles Counties | Jefferson County Public Water Supply District 7 | ||
Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2022.
For 2022, a total of 1,209 public water systems in 27 states received these awards, including 53 in Missouri.
“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults,” stated Casey Hannan, MPH, Director, CDC Division of Oral Health. “Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.”
Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.
“We are so very excited to present this award to these Missouri community water systems and offer our continued support from the Office of Dental Health,” said Missouri State Dental Director Jacqueline Miller, DDS, MS, MPH. “Water operators are the unsung champions of this public health initiative providing safe, clean and fluoridated water. They deserve our praise, admiration and appreciation as they continue to protect the oral health of their community.”
