The fluoride status of Broken Hill's public water supply, who decides, and how to check it yourself. Page last updated 6 November 2026.
Officially a fluoridated supply, but measured levels in 2026 (0.16 mg/L in the June quarter) are far below the 0.9 to 1.5 mg/L target, so residents are effectively not receiving fluoride.
Tweed went nine months without it. Bowral has had none since July 2025, Mudgee since 2020, Nyngan since 2015. Broken Hill is dosed on paper but barely registers. No council voted for any of this. Here's the list.
Brisbane's main treatment plant measured as low as 0.07 mg/L in September. Broken Hill averaged 0.16. Here's what utility data shows about supplies running well below target.
Without fluoridated water, dental guidelines put more weight on fluoride toothpaste, diet and regular check-ups. Some people prefer fluoride-free options.
7 November 2026: Reclassified from fluoride added to no fluoride: 2026 utility readings averaged 0.16 mg/L against a 0.9 to 1.5 target.
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.
Officially fluoridated, but 2026 readings (0.10 to 0.70 mg/L in the March quarter, 0.16 mg/L in the June quarter) are far below the 0.9 to 1.5 mg/L target.
0.16 mg/L (April to June 2026), target 0.9 to 1.5, according to Essential Water quarterly report, Apr to Jun 2026. Fluoridated supplies in Australia target 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L, and the health guideline maximum is 1.5 mg/L.
No. Fluoride is not added to Broken Hill's water. Officially a fluoridated supply, but measured levels in 2026 (0.16 mg/L in the June quarter) are far below the 0.9 to 1.5 mg/L target, so residents are effectively not receiving fluoride.
Councils apply, NSW Health approves. Only the Health Secretary can approve stopping.
Look up Essential Water's annual drinking water quality report, which lists fluoride in mg/L by supply zone. You can also ask the utility for monthly readings.
No. Boiling leaves the fluoride behind and slightly concentrates it. Reverse osmosis, distillation and activated alumina filters remove fluoride. Read more.