Coalition efforts for fluoridation in San Diego

The San Diego Fluoridation Coalition, formed in 1995, brings community and government leaders together in support of water fluoridation. Through community education, networking and partnerships with organizations such as the PTA, Children's Hospital and United Way, the Coalition targeted Escondido, the Helix Water District and the City of San Diego while working closely with the San Diego County Water Authority. In 2000, the San Diego City Council voted to accept funds from the Fluoridation 2000 Work Group and proceed with the design and installation of fluoridation equipment. Unfortunately, contract negotiations between the City and the California Dental Association Foundation (CDAF) stalled when CDAF was unable to indemnify the City for possible future legal costs. In 2002, the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) voted to fluoridate their water supply. In 2004, SB 96 (Alpert) was approved to address contractual issues encountered in San Diego and other communities when awards for capital equipment were made. SB 96 provides for reasonable cost estimates as reviewed by a state appointed engineer and the exclusion of reimbursement for potential legal costs. In January 2007, the City Attorney opined that fluoridated water may be purchased from MWD. The fluoridation of MWD, implemented since December 2007, was the result of nearly a decade of advocacy by fluoridation proponents. However, only 9% of the City's water comes from the MWD, whereas most of San Diego County to the north and east of the City receives fluoridated water from MWD.