Fluoride in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Fluoride is an inorganic constituent that can be found in drinking water supplies. As an inorganic contaminant, it is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure safety. The EPA has established a Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 mg/L for this substance.
Health Effects
Consuming water with elevated levels of fluoride can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly bone disease. In addition, exposure to high levels of this contaminant can cause tooth discoloration in children.
How Fluoride Gets Into Tap Water
Fluoride enters drinking water sources through both natural processes and human activities, including natural deposits and its use as a water additive. It can also contaminate water supplies via fertilizer runoff from agricultural areas and industrial discharge.
How to Remove Fluoride From Your Water
Several treatment systems are effective at reducing fluoride concentrations in drinking water, including activated alumina and reverse osmosis technologies. Bone char filtration is another method that can be utilized to remove this inorganic contaminant.
Should You Test Your Water?
To check fluoride levels, you can review your utility's annual consumer confidence report or use the WaterQ search tool. If your water comes from a private well, periodic laboratory testing is recommended to monitor for this inorganic contaminant. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Fluoride data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fluoride dangerous in drinking water?
Fluoride can be hazardous in drinking water if levels exceed safe thresholds. Consuming water with excessive fluoride is associated with bone disease and can cause tooth discoloration in children.
How does Fluoride get into tap water?
Fluoride enters tap water from natural deposits and water additives. It can also be introduced to water sources through fertilizer runoff and industrial discharge.
How can I remove Fluoride from my water?
You can remove fluoride from drinking water using treatment methods such as activated alumina, reverse osmosis, or bone char.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.