Subsidy for Fluoridating Ashburton Water Supply

Minister of Health Approves Subsidy for Fluoridating Ashburton Water Supply

The Minister of Health has approved funding to fluoridate Ashburton's water supply, through the Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme.

Ashburton District Council submitted a preliminary application for a Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme subsidy late last year. If the Ashburton community votes in favour of fluoridating its water supply in an upcoming referendum, the Ministry of Health will pay up to $574,000 towards it.

The Ashburton District Council is the second council to apply to subsidise fluoridation works. The Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme began in 2003 and $150 million was allocated to help district councils fund sewerage schemes, which included up to$1.5 million dollars a year over ten years also approved to fund fluoride capital works.

Canterbury District Health Board figures show that decay rates in Ashburton 6-year-olds have increased by 25% between 2002 to 2004, since the water supply stopped being fluoridated in 2002.

Canterbury DHB figures also show that Ashburton tooth decay rates are now the same as Christchurch, where fluoridation ceased in 1988.

Dr Robin Whyman, Chief Advisor Oral Health says water fluoridation is a safe and cost effective way of reducing the burden of dental decay across the community. It assists all people with their own teeth, but has a greater effect in groups with high levels of disease, leading to a reduction in inequalities in oral disease across the community.

He says, "a Canterbury Fluoride Awareness Survey last year found that 56% of Ashburton residents surveyed were in favour of water fluoridation and 70% of Ashburton respondents reported seeing the benefit in water fluoridation."

"Ashburton residents are well aware of the benefits of fluoride and hopefully this will be reflected in the upcoming referendum", says Dr Whyman.

The Ministry of Health encourages Ashburton residents to vote in favour of fluoridating their water supply, when voting papers are issued for a referendum on Friday 16 February.

"With the fluoridation supply funding issue out of the way, residents don't have to worry about the capital cost of fluoridating their water supply, all they have to do is tick the yes box."

ENDS

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