Fluoridation plant opened

Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM officially commissioned the Lake Cargelligo fluoridation scheme at the Town Water Treatment Plant yesterday (Monday 20 July 2020).

Council held a small ceremony in the morning with the unveiling of a plaque, followed by a small morning tea attended by councillors, Deputy Mayor Paul Phillips, Melissa Blewitt, Dennis Brady and Elaine Bendall. Also present were General Manager Greg Tory and Council’s Infrastructure team.

Mayor Medcalf said he was pleased that the project had finally come to fruition after many years of planning.

“It is so pleasing that the commissioning of the fluoridation scheme at the Lake Cargelligo Town Water Treatment Plant has occurred after decades of planning,” the Mayor said. “Congratulations to Council’s Infrastructure Team in successfully seeing this project come into fruition.”

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil, vegetables and grains, as well as in fresh and salt water. The fluoride found in the environment, however is not sufficient on its own to protect our teeth, which is why small supplemental amounts are added to the water supply, as well as into toothpaste and other dental products.

Fluoride is crucial in combatting tooth decay, giving teeth extra strength when they are developing to enable them to better resist the bacterial acid which causes tooth decay. Fluoride also combats the plaque which leads to tooth decay.