Fluoride in Drinking Water

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Milwaukee’s drinking water contains fluoride at the recommended level to help prevent tooth decay and support oral health for people of all ages.

Public Notice: Temporary Change to Fluoride Addition

Milwaukee Water Works is temporarily reducing the amount of fluoride added to drinking water because of supply chain issues affecting fluoride used in water treatment.

Milwaukee’s drinking water remains safe to drink and continues to meet water quality standards. Beginning Friday, July 31, 2026, fluoride levels will be reduced from approximately 0.6–0.7 milligrams per liter, or mg/L, to approximately 0.3 mg/L.

This temporary adjustment will help extend available supplies while Milwaukee Water Works works to secure a new supplier. Normal fluoride addition will resume once a new vendor contract is in place and fluoride supplies are restored.

For more information, read the full press release here.

See the frequently asked questions below for more information.

Fluoride Supply Chain Notice – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Open All Close All

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes. Milwaukee's drinking water remains safe to drink and continues to meet water quality standards. This temporary change affects only the amount of fluoride Milwaukee Water Works adds during water treatment.

Why is this happening?

This is due to temporary supply chain issues affecting fluoride used in water treatment. Milwaukee Water Works’ previous supplier chose not to renew its contract because of these challenges. Milwaukee Water Works issued a request for bids to secure a new supplier through the City’s procurement process, but no bids were received.

What is Milwuakee Water Works doing?

Milwaukee Water Works is temporarily reducing fluoride added to drinking water to extend available supplies.

What is the current fluoride level?

Milwaukee Water Works currently adds fluoride to drinking water to maintain a fluoride level of approximately 0.6–0.7 milligrams per liter, or mg/L, consistent with public health recommendations.

What will the temporary fluoride level be?

Beginning Friday, July 31, 2026, fluoride levels will be reduced to approximately 0.3 mg/L.

Why does Milwaukee add fluoride to drinking water?

Milwaukee Water Works adds fluoride to drinking water as a routine public health measure to help prevent tooth decay. Milwaukee’s current fluoride level of approximately 0.6 - 0.7 mg/L is consistent with public health recommendations.

Is this a water quality issue?

No. This is a temporary supply chain issue affecting fluoride treatment additives. Milwaukee's drinking water remains safe to drink.

Where else is fluoride found?

Fluoride occurs naturally in water at varying levels and is also found in everyday sources such as toothpaste, mouth rinse, and some foods and beverages. This temporary change affects only the amount of fluoride Milwaukee Water Works adds during water treatment.

Do residents need to take any action?

No action is needed related to drinking water. Residents should continue routine oral health practices, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste and receiving regular dental care.

Residents with specific questions about their oral health or fluoride needs should contact their dentist or health care provider.

Should residents use bottled water?

No. Residents do not need to use bottled water because of this temporary fluoride adjustment. Milwaukee’s drinking water remains safe to drink.

Will I notice any change in the water?

No. Residents should not notice any change in the taste, odor, color, or appearance of Milwaukee’s drinking water because of this temporary fluoride adjustment.

When will normal fluoride addition resume?

Normal fluoride addition will resume once a new vendor contract is in place and fluoride supplies are restored.

Fluoride in Milwaukee’s Water

Milwaukee Water Works adjusts fluoride to 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is the level recommended for community water systems in the United States.

This level is:

Safe for daily use
Effective in preventing tooth decay
Carefully monitored to meet state and federal standards

Fluoride helps:

Protect teeth from cavities
Strengthen developing teeth in children
Support long-term oral health

Community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the most effective ways to improve dental health across a population.

Is fluoridated water safe?

Yes. Fluoridated drinking water at recommended levels is safe for infants, children, and adults.

Milwaukee Water Works regularly tests and monitors water quality to ensure it meets all safety standards.

Guidance for Parents Using Infant Formula

If you are using tap water to mix powdered or concentrated infant formula, it is safe to do so. However, if fluoridated tap water is the child’s main source of nutrition, it may increase the chance of mild dental fluorosis, which can appear as faint white markings on developing teeth.

Parents and caregivers who have questions about infant formula, oral health, or dental fluorosis should talk with their child’s health care provider. Additional guidance is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Infant Formula and Fluoride.

Related Information:

Milwaukee Water Works coordinates with the Milwaukee Health Department and other public health partners to support safe drinking water and community oral health. For public health guidance related to fluoride in drinking water, visit the Milwaukee Health Department’s Drinking Water Safety page.

Logo of Milwaukee Water Works