Nelson City Council directed to fluoridate water
On 27 July 2022 the then Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield made a direction under the Health Act (section 116E) to the Nelson City Council to add fluoride to the Nelson water supply by 30 April 2024. The current Director General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati has extended this deadline until 31 December 2024.
Nelson City Council intends to adhere to this directive. In accordance with the Act, Nelson City Council is required to ensure the Nelson supply is fluoridating at the optimal levels by 31 December 2024. The estimated capital cost of introducing fluoridation for Nelson drinking water is $750,000. The Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora is funding this capital cost.
To read more about water fluoridation and read the direction letter to Nelson please go to:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/fluoride-and-oral-health/water-fluoridation/director-general-healths-role-decision-making-fluoridation-drinking-water-supplies