The Perry Municipal Water Works recently received the Water Fluoridation Quality Award for 2017 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In granting the award, the CDC commended the Perry water system for its consistent and professional adjustment of the fluoride content to the recommended level for oral health for 12 consecutive months in 2017.
High-quality water fluoridation, as demonstrated by the Perry water system, is a safe and effective method to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health of all community residents.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help prevent cavities in children and adults by making the outer surface of the teeth — the enamel — more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay. Fluoride is found in food, water, toothpaste and mouth rinses.
Presenting the award was Sara Carmichael-Stanley, Iowa Department of Health water fluoridation coordinator. On hand to accept the award were Perry Water Works Superintendent Hank Schmidt, Chairman of the Perry Water Works Board of Trustees Marcus Carris, Perry Water Works Trustees Amy Rathje and John Wuebker and Perry Water Works Accounting and Billing Manager Pam Ballard.
