The fluoride status of Townsville's public water supply, who decides, and how to check it yourself. Page last updated 6 November 2026.
Fluoridated since 1964. The 2024-25 drinking water report shows fluoride within guidelines.
Fluoridation began after residents petitioned for it. On 19 March 2025 council resolved not to receive an e-petition to stop it.
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 target level to 0.7 mg/L (Queensland targets are lower than other states).
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.
Target 0.7 mg/L (range 0.6 to 0.8), according to Townsville City Council e-petitions. Fluoridated supplies in Australia target 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L, and the health guideline maximum is 1.5 mg/L.
Fluoridated since 1964.
Yes. Fluoride is added to Townsville's water. Fluoridated since 1964. The 2024-25 drinking water report shows fluoride within guidelines.
Each council decides, since the 2012 handover. 16 of 77 still add it.
Look up Townsville City Council'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.