Fluoride in Drinking Water
EPA Limit (MCL)
4000 ug/L
EPA Goal (MCLG)
4000 ug/L
Status
Regulated
Health Effects
Fluoride at low levels (0.7 mg/L) is added to water to prevent tooth decay. At levels above the EPA limit, it can cause skeletal fluorosis (bone pain and damage) and dental fluorosis (tooth discoloration).
How Fluoride Gets Into Water
Both naturally occurring in groundwater and intentionally added by water utilities for dental health. Natural levels vary greatly by region.
How to Remove Fluoride
Reverse osmosis, distillation, and activated alumina filters can remove fluoride. Standard activated carbon filters do NOT remove fluoride.
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
RO systems or specialized ion exchange filters can reduce nitrates, arsenic, and other inorganic contaminants.
Up to 95% removal depending on contaminant
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