Tauranga

Fluoridation started in Tauranga in April 2024

MoH Directive sent to Tauranga City Council.

Capital cost of introducing fluoridation at our three water treatment plants would be close to $3.6
million, with ongoing operating costs of $175,000 a year. See correspondence between Council and Director General of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What parts of the region under the council’s jurisdiction are fluoridated?

Tauranga city

What fluoride chemicals are used to fluoridate the water supply?

Hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFA)

Where are the fluoride chemicals bought from?

Ixom

What level is water fluoridated at?

Between 0.7 and 1.0 mg/L as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

How frequently is the level of fluoride in the water tested?

Who performs the testing?

Where is the wastewater discharged?

Is there a Resource consent for the discharge of fluoridation chemicals?

Can you provide the section of the consent that permits the fluoride discharge?

Is there a Resource Consent held by the council to add fluoridation chemicals to the community water supplies?

How much per annum is spent on fluoridation chemicals?

Around $110K per year.

How much per annum is spent on implementing water fluoridation?

The cost of implementing fluoridation in 2024 was $3,585,220 which was paid by the Ministry of Health.

How much per annum is spent on testing the levels of water fluoridation?

How much does it cost per Tonne of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid?

How many tonne of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid is added into the environment?

I’m fairly sensitive to chemicals and have always avoided diet products, as aspartame affects me noticeably. A few years ago, I decided to try fluoride-free toothpaste. Since then, my health has improved in several ways. I no longer drool at night or wake up with a sore throat. My skin is clearer, and I no longer experience sudden tooth pain.

I’ve generally lived in areas where the water was not fluoridated and relied on rain tank water from 2002 to 2013. These days, I use a water distiller and occasionally drink bottled water. While working in Thames recently, I started getting sore throats after drinking hot chocolate made with boiled tap water—something I hadn’t experienced in years.

My son, who is 100% unvaccinated and was raised on raw milk and tank water, has never had a cavity at age 22. We lived in Paeroa and Cambridge, where I was assured the water was fluoride-free.

I initially tried Red Seal toothpaste, then explored several Indian brands. I currently prefer Rozino and Xiaoks, which I order from Temu.

Pamela, Paeroa

Sore throat from fluoride – even the toothpaste