Fluoride in Drinking Water
Inorganic Chemical · MCL: 4000 ppb · 0 systems exceeding limit
Overview
Fluoride is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act with an MCL of 4000 ppb. The EPA Safe Drinking Water program sets and enforces the maximum contaminant levels shown here.
Health Effects
Exposure to Fluoride above the MCL of 4000 ppb may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Sources of Contamination
Fluoride can enter drinking water from natural deposits, industrial discharges, or other sources.
Treatment & Removal
Treatment methods for Fluoride include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and specialized media.
How to Remove Fluoride From Water
These filtration methods are effective for reducing Fluoride in drinking water:
| Filter Method | Effectiveness | Cost Range | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 90-95% removal | $200-500 (under-sink) | NSF/ANSI 58 |
| Activated Alumina | 90-95% removal | $50-200 (cartridge) | NSF/ANSI 53 |
| Distillation | 99%+ removal | $100-400 (countertop) | NSF/ANSI 62 |
| Bone Char Carbon | 80-90% removal | $30-100 (cartridge) | Varies |
Reverse Osmosis (RO), details
Most common method for fluoride reduction at home.
Activated Alumina, details
Specialized media for fluoride. Effectiveness decreases with higher pH.
Distillation, details
Very effective for fluoride removal.
Bone Char Carbon, details
Natural media effective for fluoride. Less common in consumer products.
Water Systems with Fluoride Detected
Aqua Pa Main System
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Tucson City Of
Tucson, Arizona
Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield County
Shelton, Connecticut
Glen Burnie-Broadneck
Millersville, Maryland
Gilbert, Town Of
Gilbert, Arizona
Provo City
Provo, Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
Fluoride has been detected in 0 water systems that exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4000 ppb, affecting approximately 0 people. Check your local water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report or search by ZIP code on this site.
Exposure to Fluoride above the MCL of 4000 ppb may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Effective filtration methods for Fluoride include Reverse Osmosis (RO), Activated Alumina, Distillation, Bone Char Carbon. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards for Fluoride removal. See the detailed comparison table above for effectiveness ratings and cost ranges.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Fluoride is 4000 ppb. The MCL Goal (MCLG), the level with no known health risk, is 4000 ppb. Water systems must test regularly and notify customers if levels exceed the MCL.