Linking the taste of Mackay’s award-winning drinking water to the removal of fluoride is misleading.
Mackay Public Health physician Dr Steven Donohue said the claim on the front page of the Daily Mercury was not based on fact.
“Linking a taste award to stopping fluoride years ago is disappointing,” Dr Donohue said.
“Trace quantities of mineral fluoride are completely tasteless. Adjusting the natural level of fluoride to around 0.7 parts per million is absolutely safe and makes a dramatic improvement to dental health throughout life.”
Dr Donohue said while health professionals were happy Mackay had an excellent water treatment plant, the city could have a further claim to fame if fluoride was increased.
“We could have water that tastes good and protects our children’s teeth as well, as does Townsville and every capital city in Australia,” he said.
