News post
Discontinuation of Fluoride Addition to Drinking Water
September 19, 2025
Harris County MUD 222 Notice to Residents
Discontinuation of Fluoride Addition to Drinking Water
What You Need to Know
- Fluoride will soon no longer be added to MUD 222 drinking water.
- At the bottom of this post is the required 60-day notice in the wording required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
- Our drinking water will continue to meet or exceed all EPA and TCEQ safety standards.
- Natural residual fluoride levels will remain in our well water and surface water.
Why Was Fluoride Added and Why is This Change Being Made?
MUD 222 began adding fluoride in the mid-1990s to bring fluoride levels up to the recommended amount for cavity prevention. Recent studies, however, have raised questions about possible health effects of higher fluoride exposure, particularly for children.
Communities across the U.S. and internationally have made the decisions to cease adding fluoride to drinking water. Considering this new research and ongoing reviews by the EPA, as well as changes required at our water plant due to the transition to surface water, the MUD 222 Board of Directors has decided to stop adding fluoride.
Background and Details
Natural Fluoride Levels in Our Water
- Our groundwater in MUD222 naturally contains fluoride typically between 0.3 & 0.4 parts per million (ppm).
- Fluoride has been added to raise the level to 0.7 ppm, the amount recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service and endorsed by the American Dental Association.
Safety Standards
- TCEQ requires public drinking water to remain under 4.0 ppm fluoride.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum of 1.5 ppm.
- The MUD 222 water supply has always remained below 0.9 ppm.
Health Considerations
- At very high levels, fluoride can negatively impact teeth and bones.
- Recent studies suggest possible links between higher fluoride levels and small declines in children's mental performance at fluoride levels higher than 1.5 ppm.
- The EPA and Health & Human Services are currently reviewing national fluoride policy.
- Fluoride is now readily available in most toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Future Water Supply
- MUD 222 will soon transition to treated surface water under the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) mandate.
- The NHCRWA surface water naturally contains about 0.2 ppm fluoride.
- Our water plant required modifications to receive surface water including expanding the fluoridization equipment. The Board decided it is an appropriate time to terminate fluoridation at this time.
- More details on this surface water conversion will be provided in a separate letter.
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