Cambridge water supply must be fluoridated, Ministry of Health directs

Cambridge’s water will still be required to be fluoridated, following confirmation from the Director-General of Health that the original directive stands.

In July 2022, the Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora instructed 14 local authorities, including Waipā District Council, to add fluoride to their water supplies. Waipā was specifically directed to fluoridate the Cambridge supply but was not required to do so for other water supplies in the district.

The new Director-General of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, recently reassessed the original directive under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, which provides people a right to refuse medical treatment.

As part of this review, the Ministry of Health examined the latest scientific evidence on community water fluoridation. Based on this assessment, Dr Sarfati has now advised Council that the original directive will stand.

Her assessment is that the benefits of fluoridating the water in Cambridge outweigh the rights of individuals to refuse medical treatment, due to:

• The high prevalence and potential for lifelong impacts of poor oral health
• Scientific evidence that shows water fluoridation within the optimum range is safe, has no significant health risks and protects against dental caries
• The proven effectiveness of community water fluoridation as a public health measure

Group Manager Service Delivery Dawn Inglis said Waipā District Council is working now to finalise the design and costings for the fluoridation of the Cambridge water supply.

“Council had no role in making this decision – the Ministry of Health is responsible for all decisions about water fluoridation in New Zealand,” she said.

“While the Ministry of Health will fund the installation of the plant required, there may be a slight increase in water rates to cover the ongoing costs.

“The work to install the fluoridation equipment will take around nine months, and we will let Cambridge residents know in advance of the specific dates before the fluoride is added to the water.”

Under the Health Act 1956, Waipā District Council is legally required to comply with this directive. Failing to do so is an offence that carries significant penalties.

A copy of the Ministry of Health’s report is available on its website at www.health.govt.nz/strategies-initiatives/programm...