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Is there fluoride in Port Macquarie water?

The fluoride status of Port Macquarie'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 Port Macquarie's water.

Began February 2012. Paused in 2019 (drought), resumed September 2021.

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

Port Macquarie compared with nearby supplies

In the news

Port Macquarie 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

Port Macquarie fluoride history

  1. Feb 2012Fluoridation begins.
  2. 2019Paused during drought.
  3. Sep 2021Resumed.
What it means for you

Living with fluoridated water in Port Macquarie

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

WauchopeFluoride added · 17 kmKempseyNo fluoride added · 40 kmComboyneNo fluoride added · 46 kmSouth West RocksFluoride added · 61 kmTareeFluoride added · 67 kmMacksvilleFluoride added · 80 km
Common questions

Port Macquarie fluoride FAQ

Does Port Macquarie tap water have fluoride?

Yes. Fluoride is added to Port Macquarie's water. Began February 2012. Paused in 2019 (drought), resumed September 2021.

Who decides whether fluoride is added in Port Macquarie?

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

How can I check the fluoride level in Port Macquarie?

Look up Port Macquarie-Hastings'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.