Is fluoride added to UK tap water?

Only some areas of the UK have fluoride added to their water. Around 10% of the population in England receives fluoridated water, mainly in the West Midlands, North East England, and parts of the East Midlands. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not fluoridate their water. Some areas have naturally occurring fluoride.

What is the fluoride level in UK tap water?

In fluoridated areas, the target level is 1 mg/l (1 part per million). In non-fluoridated areas, natural fluoride levels are typically 0.1-0.3 mg/l. The UK legal maximum is 1.5 mg/l. Water companies must keep levels within this limit.

Is fluoride in water safe?

At the levels used in UK water fluoridation (up to 1 mg/l), fluoride is considered safe by the UK government, NHS, WHO, and the British Dental Association. It reduces tooth decay by 25-40%. The debate around fluoride centres on the principle of mass medication and potential effects at higher doses, not at the levels used in UK water.

Can I remove fluoride from my tap water?

Standard carbon filters (like Brita jugs) do NOT remove fluoride. To remove fluoride, you need either a reverse osmosis system, a bone char filter, or an activated alumina filter. Distillation also removes fluoride.

Fluoride in Tap Water UK: Where It's Added & What to Know

Fluoride in UK Tap Water

Fluoride is one of the most debated substances in UK drinking water. Unlike chlorine (which is added everywhere), fluoride is only added in certain areas of England as a public health measure to reduce tooth decay.

Where is Water Fluoridated in the UK?

Approximately 6 million people in England receive fluoridated water, mainly in:

West Midlands: Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley (Severn Trent)
North East England: Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham (Northumbrian Water)
East Midlands: Parts of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire
Bedfordshire and parts of Eastern England

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not fluoridate their water supplies. Some areas have naturally occurring fluoride from geological sources, typically at lower levels.

Why is Fluoride Added?

Water fluoridation is a public health measure to reduce tooth decay, particularly in children. The evidence shows it reduces decay by 25-40% in fluoridated areas. The NHS, WHO, and British Dental Association support fluoridation at 1 mg/l.

The Debate

Fluoridation remains controversial. Supporters point to the dental benefits and the fact that it helps reduce health inequalities. Critics raise concerns about the principle of adding a substance to public water supplies without individual consent, and point to studies suggesting potential effects at higher doses (dental fluorosis, thyroid effects). At the 1 mg/l level used in the UK, the scientific consensus is that it is safe.

UK Legal Limits

The maximum permitted level is 1.5 mg/l. In fluoridated areas, the target is 1 mg/l. Water companies monitor levels continuously to ensure they stay within range.

How to Remove Fluoride

If you prefer to remove fluoride from your water:

Reverse osmosis system: Removes 90-95% of fluoride. Most effective option.
Activated alumina filter: Specifically designed for fluoride removal.
Distillation: Removes fluoride but is slow and energy-intensive.

Note: Standard carbon filters, Brita jugs, and boiling do NOT remove fluoride.

Check Your Water's Fluoride Level

Enter your postcode on WaterGrade to see whether your area has fluoridated water and the exact fluoride measurement.