The fluoride status of Esk's public water supply, who decides, and how to check it yourself. Page last updated 6 November 2026.
Fluoridated via the Seqwater grid.
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.
Law: Water Fluoridation Act 2008 (amended 2012)
Who decides: Each council decides, since the 2012 handover. 16 of 77 still add it.
Coverage: about 72% of residents. First fluoridated: Mandated 2008.
0.82 mg/L average, 12 months to Sept 2026 (157 samples), according to Seqwater Somerset water quality report. Fluoridated supplies in Australia target 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L, and the health guideline maximum is 1.5 mg/L.
Fluoridated under the 2008 mandate (minor plants by end of 2009).
Yes. Fluoride is added to Esk's water. Fluoridated via the Seqwater grid.
Each council decides, since the 2012 handover. 16 of 77 still add it.
Look up Somerset (Seqwater)'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.