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Is there fluoride in Ballina water?

The fluoride status of Ballina's public water supply, who decides, and how to check it yourself. Page last updated 6 November 2026.

Fluoride added
Yes. Fluoride is added to Ballina's water.

Rous supply from September 2015. The Wardell supply is excluded.

Water supplier
Rous County Council
State
New South Wales
Target dose if added
0.6-1.1 mg/L
Source
Council and state health data
Local context

Ballina compared with nearby supplies

In the news

Ballina in our reporting

The Byron exception: how one shire stayed fluoride-free while its neighbours were dosed

Lismore and Ballina were directed to fluoridate in 2015. Byron Shire and Nimbin were not. A look at the Northern Rivers' long fight over the tap.

Timeline

Ballina fluoride history

  1. Sep 2015Rous Water begins dosing.
What it means for you

Living with fluoridated water in Ballina

Health authorities, including the NHMRC, recommend drinking fluoridated tap water to reduce tooth decay. Some residents prefer to reduce their intake, and that's a personal choice.

Who decides

How fluoride is decided in New South Wales

Law: Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957

Who decides: Councils apply, NSW Health approves. Only the Health Secretary can approve stopping.

Coverage: about 93% of residents (2017). First fluoridated: Yass, 1956.

Nearby

Fluoride in nearby towns

ClunesFluoride added · 21 kmByron BayNo fluoride added · 26 kmLismoreFluoride added · 28 kmCorakiFluoride added · 29 kmEvans HeadFluoride added · 31 kmMullumbimbyNo fluoride added · 36 km
Common questions

Ballina fluoride FAQ

Does Ballina tap water have fluoride?

Yes. Fluoride is added to Ballina's water. Rous supply from September 2015. The Wardell supply is excluded.

Who decides whether fluoride is added in Ballina?

Councils apply, NSW Health approves. Only the Health Secretary can approve stopping.

How can I check the fluoride level in Ballina?

Look up Rous County Council's annual drinking water quality report, which lists fluoride in mg/L by supply zone. You can also ask the utility for monthly readings.

Does boiling water remove fluoride?

No. Boiling leaves the fluoride behind and slightly concentrates it. Reverse osmosis, distillation and activated alumina filters remove fluoride. Read more.