Western Bay of Plenty District Council will soon begin adding fluoride to the public drinking water supplies at Athenree and Wharawhara as part of a directive from the Director-General of Health.
The directive, issued under the Health Act 1956, requires Council to begin fluoridating the water supplies at the Athenree and Wharawhara water treatment plants. The decision to require fluoridation is made by the Director-General of Health, not local councils.
The affected areas include:
- Waihī Beach
- Athenree
- Tanners Point
- Katikati
- The reticulated rural area through to Morton Road
Fluoridation will begin at the Athenree Water Treatment Plant in June 2025, once the newly installed equipment is tested and commissioned. The same process will take place at Wharawhara in July 2025.
Council is responsible for safely implementing the directive and ensuring fluoride is added within the Ministry of Health’s recommended levels (between 0.7 and 1.0 parts per million).
There is no expected disruption to the water supply during this process.
More information about the directive and Council’s role is available at: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/flouridation
