Can I Drink Water After Fluoride Treatment?

If you get your water from a private well, it's important to know how fluoride treatment affects it and if it's safe to drink right away. This article tells you everything you need to know about drinking water from wells after getting fluoride treatment.

What Is Fluoride Treatment in Well Water?

Fluoride treatment in well water is a way to lower the amount of fluoride that is naturally present in groundwater. This treatment takes out too much fluoride from well water so that it meets safe drinking standards, unlike adding fluoride to city water supplies.

Why Is Fluoride Removed From Well Water? 

Fluoride is found naturally in a lot of groundwater, especially in the Southwest and other parts of the United States. Fluoride can be good for dental health in small amounts, but too much fluoride can cause health problems like dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis. The American Dental Association says that the best level of fluoride in drinking water is between 0.7 mg/L and 4.0 mg/L. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the highest level should be 4.0 mg/L. You need to treat your well water if it has more than these levels.

Common Methods of Fluoride Treatment in Well Water

There are several ways to reduce fluoride in well water. Each has a different effect on the safety and use of water.

Activated Alumina Filtration

As water flows through activated alumina, it picks up fluoride ions. This method works, but the filter media needs to be changed and cleaned on a regular basis.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse osmosis systems push water through a membrane that lets some things through but not others. This removes fluoride and other impurities. A point-of-use treatment, like an under-sink filter, is a common use for RO units.

Filtration with Bone Char 

Charred animal bones make bone char, which can reduce fluoride by sticking to it. This method isn't used as often, but it still works in some situations.

Can I Drink Water Immediately After Fluoride Treatment?

Is It Safe Right Now? 

Most of the time, yes. Fluoride treatment lowers the amount of fluoride in the water to safe levels so you can drink it without worry. The water should be safe to drink right away if the treatment system is working properly and is kept up.

What Happens After Maintenance or Installation?

It's a good idea to flush your fluoride treatment system first if it was just installed or serviced. This means letting the water run for a few minutes to get rid of any dust, dirt, or leftover chemicals from the new or fixed equipment.

Testing Is Key

After treatment or maintenance, test your water to be 100% sure. You can test for fluoride at home or send samples to certified labs. You should only drink the water when the fluoride levels are safe.

How to Ensure Your Fluoride Treatment Works Properly 

At least once a year, or more often if you notice changes in taste or appearance, check the fluoride levels in your well water.

Regular Testing

Follow the manufacturer's or water treatment professional's advice on when to change the filter media, membranes, or treatment chemicals.

Routine Maintenance 

Fluoride treatment systems might not get rid of other pollutants like heavy metals, nitrates, or bacteria. It is best to do regular full tests.

What If My Water Still Has High Fluoride Levels? 

Avoid Drinking Untreated Water 

Don't drink your treated water if it still has too much fluoride in it. You should drink and cook with bottled water or another source.

Consult a Professional

Get in touch with a water treatment expert to check out your system and fix it, or to suggest other ways to treat it.

Drinking Water Tips After Fluoride Treatment

Use Cold Water for Drinking and Cooking 

Fluoride treatment systems usually make the water from cold water taps the best to use. Stay away from hot water sources because they may have more pollutants in them.

Avoid Mixing Tap Water with Bottled Water 

If you drink bottled water, don't mix it with tap water for cooking or drinks to keep the fluoride levels from changing.

Educate Your Household 

Tell everyone in your house about the treatment system and when it's safe to drink water.

Questions About Drinking Water After Fluoride Treatment

How Long Should I Wait to Drink Water After I Flush the System?

After installation or maintenance, flush the system for 5 to 10 minutes to get rid of any impurities before using the water for drinking.

Can Fluoride Treatment Get Rid of Other pollutants? 

Some systems only work on fluoride. You might need more filters, like UV treatment or activated carbon filters, for other pollutants.

Is It Safe for Children?

Yes, treated well water is safe for kids if the fluoride levels are within the recommended range. Too much fluoride is worse for teeth and bones that are still growing.