Fluoride Notice

The Twentynine Palms Water District has been granted a variance, from the California Primary Drinking Water Standard for Fluoride, by the Sate of California Department of Health Services, which states, "The District shall not serve water containing Fluoride levels in excess of 3.0 Milligrams per Liter (MG/L) or 75% of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Primary Drinking Water Standard, whichever is higher." USEPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is currently 4.0 MG/L.

The beneficial effects of Fluoride in drinking water approach a maximum at concentrations of 1.0 to 1.5 MG/L. Higher Fluoride levels may cause dental Fluorosis, which is a staining of the tooth enamel, and in severe cases can be identified as mottled areas of the teeth. Based on dental research, Fluorosis can only occur during the tooth-forming period, which is approximately before the age of 12. There are no other known ill effects, at the levels served by the District, of any kind found associated with Fluoride in drinking water, and again it should be noted that this condition only occurs while the teeth are forming. As such, it is recommended that children under the age of 12 use an alternative drinking water supply.

The Twentynine Palms Water District is continuing to work on a solution to this problem. We are currently involved in a vigorous monitoring program utilizing all available water sources to provide a blended water supply below the maximum permissible amount.

Employers, landlords and schools are required to provide copies of this notice to all employees, tenants and students (parents of minor students) within 10 days after receipt, per the California Health and Safety Code, Section 4028(G). In addition, this notice should be posted in all public drinking water dispensers.

If you have any questions regarding this notice, or require additional information concerning Fluoride levels in drinking water, please do not hesitate to contact our office.