For decades, fluoride has been one of the most debated chemicals in drinking water. It’s praised by dentists, questioned by parents, and frequently misunderstood by homeowners.

Houston’s public water supply, like many major cities, contains flouride. While fluoride has benefits, it also raises valid questions about health, dosage, and long-term exposure.

Why Fluoride Is Added to Water

In short, dental health of all things! Fluoride was first added to municipal water in the 1940s after studies linked it to lower rates of cavities. Since then, it’s been widely used for dental health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still lists fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Today, Houston’s water is fluoridated to a level around 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L)—the current U.S. Public Health Service recommendation.

The Debate Around Fluoride

While fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel, concerns about overexposure have grown, especially as fluoride is now found in more than just water: toothpaste, mouthwash, and even certain foods and beverages.

Potential Concerns:

Dental Fluorosis: White spots or streaks on teeth from excess fluoride during early childhood
Bone Health: High levels of long-term exposure (typically from wells, not city water) can impact bones and joints
Thyroid & Neurological Effects: Ongoing studies continue to explore possible links between fluoride and hormone or brain function at elevated doses

The key takeaway: fluoride’s safety depends on dose and source. For many Houston homeowners, filtering their water provides peace of mind and control over what their family consumes.

How to Remove Fluoride from Drinking Water

Standard carbon filters (like those in pitchers or refrigerator filters) typically do not remove fluoride. If you want to reduce fluoride levels in your drinking water, look for advanced filtration:

Reverse Osmosis (R.O.): The most effective and reliable method to remove fluoride, chlorine, and other dissolved solids

Why Environmental ProTech

At Environmental ProTech, we believe in informed choice. We don’t use scare tactics or fear mongering. We simply provide data. Our free water test identifies what’s in your water and helps you decide what level of protection makes sense for your family.

With 30+ years of experience in Houston’s water chemistry, we know how to design systems that remove fluoride effectively while keeping your water clean, balanced, and great-tasting.

Call now to schedule your free water test