Water Fluoridation Principles & Practices

Copeland of the American Water Works Association presents this concise handbook on water fluoridation intended as an accessible resource for decision makers, engineers, and operating personnel involved with fluoridation installations. The handbook starts off with a basic history of water fluoridation and its regulatory framework. The next chapter discusses the impact of fluoride on the human body, specifically its dental benefits as well as possible adverse effects, and water fluoridation versus other fluoride delivery methods. The primary fluoridating agents sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, and fluorosilicic acid are discussed with attention to their chemical behavior in water. The book then shifts to practical aspects of implementing water fluoridation, including the planning and permitting process; details of equipment, safeguards, chemical storage, and overall installation design; and operational issues including compliance, monitoring, documentation, and operating safety. Management of excessive fluoride levels is also addressed, including both source management and chemical removal processes. The final chapters discuss issues particular to small systems serving less than 10,000 people, and community outreach to address concerns and inquiries. Annotation ©2016 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)