In June, Council received an extension up until September 30, 2024, from the Director-General of Health to complete the installation of fluoridation infrastructure. This has now been completed and the Ministry of Health has fully funded the project of $457,980 for this work. The Ministry of Health has advised Council that it will need to start adding fluoride to the water as per the directive we received on 22 July 2022. Council appreciates that there are different views in the community about fluoridation, albeit Council cannot risk the $200,000 fine (and subsequent $10,000 per day fine) to go against this directive. This means fluoridation in our drinking water will be effective from October 1, 2024.
Please note, the taps at New World have filters that currently takes out the chorine and will also remove fluoride. The River Road taps will remain chlorine and fluoride free. Council is planning to maintain these taps as chlorine-free and fluoride-free.
