Fluoridation of drinking water

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water sources like rivers, lakes and in groundwater  – the raw water sources we draw from to treat for drinking water. The amount of fluoride is usually very low but depends on the types of rocks and soil the water passes through.

Fluoride has no smell or taste, and tiny amounts are also present in most foods. Higher levels can occur in seawater, soils, and tea leaves.

TasWater adds fluoride only in areas where the Tasmanian Minister for Health requires it under the Fluoridation Act 1968. Fluoride helps protect teeth and prevent tooth decay. The Tasmanian Department of Health regulates and monitors community water fluoridation to make sure it is safe and effective.

Yes. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) reviewed all the best available evidence and published a public statement in 2017 confirming that water fluoridation is safe and effective. It helps reduce tooth decay in children and adults, and there is no reliable evidence that fluoridation at Australian levels causes health problems.

NHMRC and the Department of Health continue to review new research to keep these recommendations up to date.

See the National Health and Medical Research Council "Water Fluoridation and Human Health in Australia: Questions and Answers" document.

We keep fluoride levels between 0.8 and 1.1 mg/L, which is the range recommended for good dental health. Our systems are continually monitored to make sure these levels are maintained.

See our Annual Water Quality Reports

Fluoridation began in Beaconsfield, Tasmania, in 1953 — the first in Australia. Today, about 99% of TasWater customers on reticulated water receive fluoridated water. The Department of Health generally requires fluoridation for water systems serving 500 or more people.

List of drinking water supply systems

As of the 30 June 2025, there were 59 drinking water supply systems. All systems were classified as potable for the entire year. You can check which systems have a fluoridated supply in our Annual Drinking Water report, or use the Water Quality portal.

Discover your areas reports in our Water Quality portal

Making history

Watch the Libraries Tasmania footage 'One In A Million' from 1960, which Follows the research and effects of adding fluoride to the town water supply of Beaconsfield in Tasmania.  

Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office: Film - One In A Million – 16mm black and white release print  (sound) – 9m 38s - (Reference:AB869/1/1996) 

Fluoride levels are monitored continuously and tested regularly. Equipment is calibrated often, and samples are verified monthly at a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). If readings are outside the expected range, they are reported to the Department of Health.

See our Annual Water Quality Reports