HEALTH ADVISORY FOR FLUORIDE IN GROUNDWATER

Prepared by New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health

Naturally occurring fluoride has been detected in groundwater in many areas of New Mexico. The fluoride leaches into groundwater from natural mineral deposits. Groundwater with high fluoride typically has little if any detectable calcium. This "natural water softening" results from cation exchange, a chemical process where clay minerals replace calcium in groundwater with sodium. When calcium has been virtually depleted by cation exchange it is unavailable to bond with fluoride and precipitate the solid mineral fluoride.

Fluoride in drinking water can be assimilated into teeth and bones. Fluoride exceeding 2 mg/L can cause dental fluorosis (mottling of the teeth). Fluoride exceeding 4 mg/L can cause skeletal fluorosis, causing weakening of the bones. The N.M. Department of Health, Dental Program (below) provides free tests for fluoride in private well water. Information on fluoride concentrations in public water-supply systems can be obtained from the NMED Drinking Water Bureau (below).

If fluoride exceeds 2 mg/L, an appropriate water-treatment unit or use of an alternate source of drinking water should be considered. Boiling water will increase, not reduce, the amount of fluoride.

WHERE TO GO FOR ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES

General Questions and Information
NMED Ground Water Quality Bureau
Harold Runnels Bldg.
1190 St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87502
(505) 827-2886

Fluoride Testing

N.M. Department of Health
Dental Program
Pinon Bldg., Rm. 124
1220 St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 827-7518

Public Water Supply System Information

NMED Drinking Water Bureau
525 Camino de los Marquez
Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87502
(505) 827-7536

Water Treatment Systems

Consult the telephone directory. Before buying a unit, ask for references of customers who share the same water-quality problem. Beware of high-pressure sales tactics and scare tactics. Do not buy treatment options that are not needed to correct the problem, unless desired for peace of mind. If in doubt, contact the NMED Ground Water Quality Bureau (above) for an independent interpretation of test results and of the need for water treatment. All treatment units require periodic maintenance which, if neglected, can degrade water quality and create possible health hazards beyond those posed by untreated water.

revised 8/99

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