The fluoride status of Newcastle's public water supply, who decides, and how to check it yourself. Page last updated 6 November 2026.
Hunter Water supply (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock).
Hunter Water doses fluorosilicic acid.
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.
7 November 2026: Corrected start year to 1971.
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.
Typically 1 mg/L, according to Newcastle Herald. Fluoridated supplies in Australia target 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L, and the health guideline maximum is 1.5 mg/L.
Fluoridated since 1971.
Yes. Fluoride is added to Newcastle's water. Hunter Water supply (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock).
Councils apply, NSW Health approves. Only the Health Secretary can approve stopping.
Look up Hunter 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.