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Is there fluoride in Cowra water?

The fluoride status of Cowra'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 Cowra's water.

Offline from January 2023, resumed after approval in October 2024.

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

Cowra compared with nearby supplies

In the news

Cowra in our reporting

Switched off: the NSW towns where fluoride quietly stopped

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.

Timeline

Cowra fluoride history

  1. Jan 2023Dosing goes offline.
  2. Oct 2024Dosing resumes after approval.
What it means for you

Living with fluoridated water in Cowra

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

CanowindraFluoride added · 30 kmGrenfellFluoride added · 50 kmBlayneyFluoride added · 62 kmYoungFluoride added · 64 kmBoorowaNo fluoride added · 68 kmOrangeFluoride added · 72 km
Common questions

Cowra fluoride FAQ

Does Cowra tap water have fluoride?

Yes. Fluoride is added to Cowra's water. Offline from January 2023, resumed after approval in October 2024.

Who decides whether fluoride is added in Cowra?

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

How can I check the fluoride level in Cowra?

Look up Cowra Shire'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.