The Old Forge Water District has received a Fluoridation Quality Award for its commitment in providing optimally fluoridated water to Webb residents.
The recognition was given by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Department of Public Works (DPW), headed by Mark Hudon, implements the fluoridation of Webb’s municipal water supply.
This improves the oral health of the community by decreasing tooth decay, according to the DOH.
Specifically, the award recognizes Webb’s initiatives to maintain water fluoridation in 2012.
“Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century,” stated a CDC letter that accompanied the award.
Water fluoridation is a safe, effective and inexpensive method of preventing tooth decay, according to the CDC.
“Every one dollar invested in fluoridation saves at least 38 dollars in costs for dental treatment,” the CDC said.