Contaminant guide

Fluoride

Fluoride occurs naturally and is sometimes added for dental health. Too much can cause dental or skeletal fluorosis.

Health context

Excessive long-term fluoride can stain teeth (dental fluorosis) or, at very high levels, affect bones.

EPA standard notes

EPA MCL is 4.0 mg/L; the secondary standard (cosmetic/aesthetic) is 2.0 mg/L.

Standards and rules change—confirm on epa.gov/sdwa.

What you can do

Compare your CCR fluoride level to the MCL and secondary standard.
Talk with a pediatric dentist about kids’ total fluoride exposure.

FAQ

Is a filter required?

Not automatically. Many systems meet standards without point-of-use filters. Filters can be useful for taste, specific contaminants, or home plumbing issues—match certifications to the problem.

Where should I verify numbers?

Your utility’s Consumer Confidence Report, public notices, TCEQ resources, and EPA ECHO/SDWIS records.