Department of Health

Key messages

  • The Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973 regulates the safe and effective addition of fluoride to drinking water.
  • Every water supply authority needs to include the Code of practice for fluoridation of drinking water supplies (second edition) in their quality management system.
  • Risk management systems underpin the Australian drinking water guidelines 2011 and the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003.

The Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973 regulates safe and effective addition of fluoride to drinking water.

The Code of practice for fluoridation of drinking water supplies (second edition) specifies the requirements for the safe design and effective operation of a fluoridation plant. Every water supply authority must practise fluoridation as specified by the code.

Fluoridation plants need a preventive risk management approach for their design and operation. Preventive risk management systems are the most effective way to assure the safe and effective addition of fluoride to a drinking water supply. Risk management systems underpin the Australian drinking water guidelines 2011 and the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003.

Reviewed 15 November 2021

Health.vic

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