As directed by the Ministry of Health (MoH), the fluoridation of the Dannevirke water supply will happen on the day of the extended deadline of 30th of September, as instructed by the Director-General of Health on June 6, 2024. Failure to comply with this directive is an offense and will result in severe penalties.

For those who have concerns or questions about fluoridation of the water supply, please refer to the resources on the MoH website www.health.govt.nz or ask your questions to the MoH information mailbox: info@health.govt.nz.

Following the fluoridation directive from the Ministry of Health, Council has received some questions from residents about our town water supply:

Can I come off the town water supply?

Residents who do not wish to have fluoridated water have the option of removing themselves from the supply and moving to self-supply, however this would be at their own personal cost. A half charge water connection would apply, as Council still has to be able to provide water to their home, for example if they sell the house and the new homeowner wants to reconnect. Additionally, regardless of when they disconnect, they will continue to be charged full rates until June 30, 2025, as this income has been included in the rate calculations for this 12-month period.

Is it possible to have a separate water supply at the treatment plant for people that don’t want fluoride?

Having an alternative water supply for those that prefer not to have fluoridated water would go against the direction that Council has been given by the Ministry of Health. Secondly, the layout of the water treatment plant makes this physically impossible.