Fluoride to Be Added to Western Bay Water Supplies from June

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is set to begin adding fluoride to the public drinking water supplies at Athenree and Wharawhara, following a directive issued under the Health Act 1956 by the Director-General of Health. The decision to require fluoridation sits with the Director-General, not local councils, and Council is responsible for safely implementing it within Ministry of Health recommended levels of between 0.7 and 1.0 parts per million.

The communities affected include Waihī Beach, Athenree, Tanners Point and Katikati, along with the reticulated rural area through to Morton Road. Fluoridation is scheduled to begin at the Athenree Water Treatment Plant in June, once newly installed equipment has been tested and commissioned, with the Wharawhara plant to follow in July 2025.

Council has indicated that no disruption to the water supply is expected during the process. Further information about the directive and Council's role is available on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Your Place website.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).